Police were dispatched twice over the weekend to Bournside School, Gloucestershire’s largest secondary school in Cheltenham, following reports of antisocial behaviour at a privately organised sports tournament.
The school’s facilities had been hired for the Suko White All Stars Tournament, an event celebrating Namibian football, music and culture in the UK. Despite the intended purpose, the behaviour of some attendees reportedly fell far short of the standards expected by the school.
Residents living near the school on Warden Hill Road expressed their dismay at what they described as a party atmosphere overtaking the event. Numerous witnesses reported seeing large groups consuming alcohol openly in the school’s main car park.
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One resident recounted a disturbing incident on Saturday evening at around 6.20pm, when a man was seen urinating in the car park in full view of passing cars and nearby houses. She said, “I couldn’t believe it. He just stood there and went to the toilet, with lots of people around and just a few yards from the busy road and people’s homes.”
Other neighbours shared similar frustrations, describing the weekend as unpleasant due to the noise and disruption. Social media posts highlighted how usually tranquil residential roads were filled with cars revving engines, many with modified exhausts racing through the area late into the night. Loud music was played at full volume, continuing well into the evening, while rubbish was left scattered throughout the local vicinity.
Mike Sanford, a neighbourhood watch coordinator living close to the school, commented that while residents welcomed sporting events at the site, it appeared the weekend had been overtaken by others whose behaviour was detrimental. He said, “The partying got out of hand, particularly around the car park, with dangerous driving and loud music. It turned into a rave, basically. People were drinking and there was an atmosphere that disturbed residents’ peace and quiet.”
He also described the noise from vehicles revving and backfiring as resembling gunshots, adding that this was not the first time such issues had arisen, noting similar disturbances the previous year.
A spokesperson for Gloucestershire Constabulary confirmed officers attended the event on Saturday and Sunday nights but stated no enforcement action was necessary.
The school expressed disappointment at the conduct of those responsible, noting the group breached the terms of their booking and left behind a “disappointing mess” which staff had to clean following the school’s return after summer holidays.
A spokesperson said, “We take great pride in our site and expect those using our facilities to treat it and our neighbours with respect. Hiring our facilities supports the community and our school. However, the organisers responsible will not be allowed to make any further bookings.”
Pupils returned to Bournside School yesterday for the start of the new academic year after the summer break and inset days.