Such a shame' - residents fight back against damage and litter at much-loved pond

Residents in Woodthorpe say Chapman's Pond, a well-loved beauty spot, has been “trashed” after anti-social behaviour and overnight camping. Complaints cite litter, ashes and human waste, with one anonymous resident saying the problems may be linked to local children and warning that fires are dangerously close to homes. The resident described discarded food bags, a bin available at the exit that people supposedly ignore, and tents set up with makeshift washing lines, plus an inflatable boat used to fish. He praised local councillors, especially Cllr Stephen Fenton, for stepping up after volunteers stopped managing the site due to abusive and threatening behaviour from some youths and lack of police support. Fenton said people have been camping overnight to fish, there are no toilet facilities on site, and the pond is being degraded. Volunteer litter pickers are now visiting more regularly, offering “glimmers of hope.”