Residents at Redcar Beach Caravan Park in North Yorkshire say they have been plagued by anti-social behaviour, with youths allegedly jumping on caravans, starting fires, and taking part in organised fighting on the Coatham Dunes.
Residents Speak Out
Carol Henshaw and her husband Wayne, who purchased their static caravan six years ago as a wedding anniversary gift, revealed they occasionally hoped for poor weather to deter potential troublemakers. The couple, both avid ramblers, expressed their affection for the Coatham Dunes location and simply desired some tranquillity to appreciate their caravan and the scenery, yet had experienced a growing number of anti-social behaviour episodes in recent months.
They informed the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) about youths leaping onto decking and caravan roofs, outdoor furniture being stolen and subsequently incinerated in fires on the sand dunes, alongside a gas canister which was ignited and 'blown up', stones and food being hurled at them and their caravan, and individuals using the vicinity 'as a toilet' and abandoning glass and drug-related paraphernalia.
Steering Group Formed
Coatham ward councillor Carl Quartermain has established a steering group in an attempt to identify solutions to some of these concerns. Cllr Quartermain noted another challenge was that the sand dunes were progressively shifting inland due to coastal erosion, creating easier access to the caravan park which only has a modest picket fence along its sea-facing perimeter.
Holiday park operator Tingdene stated it was working closely with Redcar and Cleveland Council, police, and other partners to examine ways of tackling anti-social behaviour and enhancing security.
Residents' Fears
Mrs Henshaw, 65, claimed groups of youths were 'marauding' across the caravan park on certain occasions, treating it as a route through to the beach. She said: 'It is very intimidating when you have got hordes of teenagers in a group shouting and throwing things.' The couple expressed their desire for improved fencing, while recognising it would need to be appropriate for the area which holds protected designation. Mrs Henshaw said: 'All we are asking for is a bit of security. Tingdene say they take the safety of caravan owners seriously, but they don't do anything.'
She claimed a management representative informed her that quotations were being obtained for additional CCTV cameras, yet once more nothing materialised.
Organised Fights and Police Response
Mr Henshaw, 68, stated tensions recently escalated when there was a reported 'organised fight' on the dunes, alleging information circulated on social media with wagers being placed on those involved. This incident and other disruptive conduct, occurring during May half-term, prompted Cleveland Police to establish a dispersal zone for the location designed to move groups along.
Mrs Henshaw said she could not fault the police, while acknowledging that they were under-resourced and the warm weather also contributed. She said: 'We don't want to be driving up here hoping for bad weather. It is an amazing place and we love the area, but that is what it has come to.' Her husband added: 'It can be like a battlefield with various idiots who come out when the sun is shining.'
Tingdene's Response
Tingdene has stated numerous attempts have been made over time to erect and maintain fencing along the park perimeter. Nevertheless, these endeavours have repeatedly been undermined by the constant shifting of sand within the dune system, with portions of fencing becoming submerged or made ineffective as a consequence. The council has acknowledged it lacks authority to require Tingdene to install any boundary treatment.
In a statement, the caravan park operator said: 'We fully appreciate the concern and frustration that many owners have expressed following several incidents involving large groups gathering in and around the Coatham Dunes area. The safety and wellbeing of our owners, residents and visitors remains our highest priority and we want to assure everyone that we are taking these matters extremely seriously.' The firm confirmed it had reported every instance of anti-social behaviour, including an alleged assault near the park and environmental damage, to Cleveland Police and the local authority.
While the statement recognised demands from certain owners for enhanced fencing and security provisions, it clarified: 'It is important to note that many of the incidents are occurring within the adjoining dune system, which is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The existing fence was installed in July 2021 following consultation between Redcar [Council's] planning Department and Natural England. As the dunes are protected land, any proposals for additional fencing, barriers or access controls require consultation and approval from the relevant authorities and environmental bodies. This is not land owned or controlled by Tingdene Holiday Parks and our ability to undertake works within the SSSI is therefore limited.'
The operator rejected suggestions it had 'failed to act' on concerns voiced by caravan owners, emphasising its dedication to preserving the park as a secure and pleasant setting.
Steering Group Meeting
Cllr Quartermain revealed that the steering group would unite representatives from the council, Natural England, Tingdene Holiday Parks, Cleveland Golf Club, PD Ports, Tees Rivers Trust, and Cleveland Police to examine measures aimed at enhancing public safety, combating anti-social behaviour, supporting environmental restoration, bolstering coastal resilience, and improving the management of access routes through the dunes. The group's inaugural meeting is scheduled for July 6, with Cllr Quartermain noting a 'genuine willingness' amongst all parties to collaborate.
He said: 'Residents have been raising concerns with me for some time about anti-social behaviour in and around the dunes and on the adjoining caravan park. At the same time, we have an opportunity to address wider environmental issues that have been affecting this important habitat for many years. The answer is not for organisations to work in isolation. We need everyone around the table working towards practical solutions that improve safety, protect the environment and support local businesses and visitors. This steering group provides a great opportunity to bring together all those with a stake in the area's future and develop a coordinated plan of action.'
Police Statement
Redcar and East Cleveland Neighbourhoods Inspector Neil Deluce stated: 'On May 28 we responded promptly and proportionately to reports of a large group of young people taking part in antisocial behaviour and fighting in the area by implementing a 48-hour dispersal order. We then also received a report that a 15-year-old boy had been assaulted by a group of other unknown boys. We would welcome information on this so we can progress our enquiries. Police will continue to monitor this area for ASB and will deploy patrols and other resources accordingly, taking positive action wherever possible. We are liaising with the local authority's youth outreach workers who engage with young people at this location and we will not hesitate to put further dispersal orders in place should these become necessary. I would also appeal to parents and carers to check they know where their young people are and what they're doing while away from their homes.'
