BROKEN bottles, empty cans and rolled-up tin foil are being left around the sports pavilion on Callow End Playing Field by youths gathering there after dark.

Similar evidence of drunkenness and bad behaviour had been found at Pixham Ferry and had previously been a problem at Old Hills, Powick parish councillors heard.

Callow End Playing Field Association is considering installing security lighting around the pavilion because of an increase in vandalism, combined with signs of alcohol and drug-taking.

The parish council was asked to agree to the association seeking estimates for sensor lighting.

But parish chairman Andy Lamb was not convinced this would solve the problem, pointing out that a light flashing on for a few seconds might be useful to those wanting to open a can or roll a joint.

But he added that the parish had a duty of care towards those who used the pavilion and it could be worth trying a light to see the effect.

John West said there had been complaints after one group of youths congregated on the road underneath the street light from about 10.30pm to 3am, playing football and drinking.

Some villagers would be prepared to "have a word" with these people if they were alerted while they were still there, he said.

Other members suggested that lights flashing on and off might be intrusive to people living nearby and that they might be subject to vandalism.

More effective solutions might be liaisons with the police and a ban on alcohol being consumed on the playing field.

Gill Hunt said she believed the youths came from outside the village, as 16 and 17-year-olds from Lower Wick had been moved off the Old Hills.