Anti-social Behaviour at Hangstones Pavilion

Published: 15 October 2024

The Finance, Personnel and Administration Committee of Yatton Parish Council held one of its regular meetings at 7.30pm on Monday October 14th, at Hangstones Pavilion in Stowey Road, Yatton. The meeting was attended by six Parish Councillors, the Clerk to the Council, and two members of the public.

After about 15 minutes, loud banging was heard on the main doors to the pavilion and there was shouting and swearing. The emergency exit doors from the pavilion were then struck so violently that they burst open, and a motorbike could be heard driving on and cutting up the football pitches.

Because an official public meeting was being disrupted and a public utility was being damaged, the 101 service was used to call the police; two officers based at Weston Police Station were rapidly despatched under blue lights and sirens. The emergency doors were again smashed open while the police were on their way.

After checking that the occupants of the hall were unharmed, the police officers found and apprehended four youngsters on the Hangstones playing fields. The guilty parties were identified and warned but, because they were only about 12 years old, were allowed to go home. The meeting reconvened and the Committee was able to complete its business.