'Marauding' youths causing trouble at holiday park
BBCCaravan owners have said "marauding" youths are spoiling their enjoyment of a coastal holiday park.
Carol Henshaw and her husband Wayne bought their static caravan at Redcar Beach Caravan Park six years ago as a wedding anniversary present for each other, but now they pray for bad weather to put off troublemakers.
The couple said youths had been jumping on caravan roofs, outdoor furniture has been stolen and set on fire, and people had used the area "as a toilet".
Holiday park owner Tingdene said it was engaging with Redcar and Cleveland Council, the police and other stakeholders to explore options to reduce anti-social behaviour and improve safety.
Carol Henshaw, 65, said groups of young people were "marauding" through the caravan site and using it as a shortcut to reach the beach, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
"It is very intimidating when you have got hordes of teenagers in a group shouting and throwing things," she said.
"Tingdene say they take the safety of caravan owners seriously, but they don't do anything."
Her 68-year-old husband claimed an "organised fight" had taken place on the dunes and bets had been taken on who would win.
The couple also said a gas canister had been stolen and "blown up", while rocks and food had been thrown at them and their caravan.
They have called for more security measures, such as improved fencing, to be installed around the park.
Tingdene said it appreciated the "concern and frustration" of caravan owners and said safety remained its highest priority.
The company said it reported anti-social behaviour and damage to the environment to Cleveland Police and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.
However, it said many of the incidents took place on nearby sand dunes, which were designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
"As the dunes are protected land, any proposals for additional fencing, barriers or access controls require consultation and approval from the relevant authorities and environmental bodies," the company said.
"This is not land owned or controlled by Tingdene Holiday Parks and our ability to undertake works within the SSSI is therefore limited."
Coatham ward Labour councillor Carl Quartermain has set up a steering group to try and come up with a solution to some of the issues.
It will consist of leaders from the council, Natural England, Tingdene, Cleveland Golf Club, PD Ports, Tees River Trust, and the police.
"We need everyone around the table working towards practical solutions that improve safety, protect the environment and support local businesses and visitors," Quartermain said.
