Growing concerns have emerged in Gloucestershire over children risking their safety by climbing fences to access artificial pitches at local sports centres. Quedgeley Town Council has issued an urgent warning following multiple incidents at Waterwells Sports Centre, where youngsters have been seen scaling fences to enter the AstroTurf playing area.
Council officials emphasize the grave dangers involved, noting that the fences are not designed to be climbed and that a misstep could lead to serious injury or worse. “This behaviour must stop immediately,” the Council urged in a social media statement, highlighting the potential for tragic accidents if children continue to take these risks.
Similar issues have been reported in nearby Brockworth, where children have been spotted climbing wire fences around an artificial pitch near the Coopers Edge Sports Hub, raising alarms across the community about widespread safety hazards.
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The Council’s post sparked a lively debate among local residents. Some criticized the reckless behaviour of children, citing other troubling incidents like vandalism and littering at nearby recreational areas. One commenter expressed frustration: “The kids seem to have little regard for the facilities, from setting fires to damaging property. I doubt they would treat the new pitches with much respect either.”
Others proposed that making the pitches more accessible, especially during school holidays, might reduce the temptation to trespass. Suggestions included opening the gates for supervised community use or allocating funds to enable safe access for children during breaks, fostering positive engagement rather than prohibited entry.
As the summer holidays progress, Quedgeley Town Council and local authorities urge parents to educate their children about the risks of climbing fences and to promote safe, respectful use of sports facilities. The priority remains to prevent accidents and ensure that these valuable community assets remain protected.