A Pambula resident has expressed her concerns at a perceived increase in anti-social behaviour at the Pambula Beach skate park.
The Pambula mother, who does not wish to be named, said she was disappointed when her children were forced to leave the skate park during the school holidays because they felt intimidated by two young men.
“My children are aged 13 and 14 and they love the skate park, it’s a great area for local kids but to find out they were scared away by two men around 20 years old smoking bongs, it was really distressing,” she said.
The local mother told the News Weekly that she has become worried for the kids around town.
“Young teenagers can be easily influenced, it wouldn’t take a lot for one to think this behaviour is cool or acceptable, it could entice anybody.
“I just want those involved to know this isn’t the right spot for this behaviour.”
Each week volunteers from Pambula Rotary, the driving force behind the building of the Pambula Rotary Centennial Skate park, spend hours maintaining the grounds which includes regularly cleaning up broken glass.
“I come here a lot and have always found the teenagers and young adults here to be very polite,” Pambula Rotarian Victor Rothwell said. “I think it’s probably the five per cent rule where five per cent of the people cause 95 per cent of the problem.”
He said while drinking of an evening is not uncommon usually the older skaters are very respectful and have been known to really mentor the younger skaters.
Despite this, Pambula Rotary president Daryl Dobson said the club had already started discussing possible options they could take to reduce the problem.
“We want the public to know we are taking this very seriously and we want the skate park to continue to be a fun spot for people of all ages,” he said.
Far South Coast chief inspector Anthony Moodie said the skate park has not raised any issues with regard to policing in the past.
“However, if there are people at the location threatening and or intimidating younger children we want to know about it and will attend and investigate. If people are using and or possessing prohibited drugs then we obviously would also be interested and take appropriate action,” Inspector Moodie said. “Merimbula Police will plan additional patrols of the area and I would ask parents who have concerns to report the matter to Police.”
If you think you have information about someone in your community who is manufacturing or supplying drugs, call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report securly online at www.crimestoppers.com.au.
