The Great British way, to stop youths abusing some woodland make it inaccessible to all.
- icountlampposts, leeds, 28/12/2011 17:29
Middlesbrough Council Spokesperson
Where there's muck ... there're no drug dens: Pig manure stops teenagers drinking and smoking drugs in woods
• Pensioners who made complaint about behaviour tell council they would rather 'have a pong than a bong'
By David Richards
Last updated at 2:36 PM on 28th December 2011
A thick layer of pig dung spread across a forest floor has put a stop to youths using an area of woodland as a drink and drugs den.
The unusual, and innovative, approach was taken in Middlesbrough after elderly residents complained about the behaviour of youths in nearby woods.
After the pig manure was put in place pensioners told the council there was 'a slight whiff' but that they would rather have 'a pong than a bong'.
A spokesman for Middlesbrough Council said the innovative approach was taken after complaints were made.
'An inspection of the area revealed it was being used to drink alcohol and take drugs as paraphernalia known as “bongs” were found,' he added.
'The Neighbourhood Safety Team commissioned the Area Care Service to cut back trees and thinned out the area to make it clearly visible from a footpath.
'The area care staff also provided and spread the pig manure.'
The council spokesman said: 'Feedback from the residents indicated that although there was a slight whiff in Willowbank, they would much rather have a pong than a bong.'
The measure comes at a time when Middlesbrough Council faces cuts of more than £50million from its budget over four years.
They were forced to reduce the number of uniformed council wardens who deal with anti-social behaviour in the area, confiscating alcohol from young people.
Councillor Jan Brunton, who represents the Coulby Newham ward said: 'At first I was against it because of the smell.
'I would rather have found another way, so we tried to find a manure that did not smell as much due to the people living nearby.
'But I am pleased to say it has worked.
'I don’t know where the youths have gone, but they’re not here.
'It does not smell now but the manure is still here, so it has acted as a deterrent.'
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article ... z1hwp3H9MM
