Parents urged to speak to children as park meets continue

UPDATE: A dispersal order is in place (Sat 11 July – 7am Sun 12 July), granting West Midlands Police the power to move people on from Rowheath Playing Fields, Rowheath Pavilion, Woodlands Park, Kings Norton park and Cotteridge Park, preventing large gatherings. read more

Some of south west Birmingham’s schools have this week written to parents and carers, urging them to speak to their children after being made aware of social media posts regarding park meets planned for this weekend and the potential for anti-social behaviour.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, some young people – isolated from their friends while schools and social settings have been closed – have been meeting up in local parks.

While many have followed guidelines, some have gathered in large groups with volunteers and parks staff clearing large amounts of alcohol bottles and drug paraphernalia, such as so called ‘hippy crack’ nitrous oxide canisters.

West Midlands Police have advised local schools that they have been made aware of social media posts which appear to demonstrate that large gatherings in local parks are being planned for this Saturday afternoon (11th July), with a potential for antisocial behaviour.

A letter to parents and carers from Dame Elizabeth Cadbury School about a potential meet in Bournville’s Rowheath Park adds: “The social media posts seem to also be encouraging young people to bring their own alcohol and drugs.”

Colmers School and Sixth Form headteacher Emma Leaman has urged parents and carers to speak to and advise their young people in a letter and social media post:

Dear Parents / Carers

West Midlands Police have been made aware via Social Media that young people are arranging a public Gathering which is encouraging alcohol and violence on Saturday 11th July in and around Kings Norton Park area.

Please ensure that you know where your children are and discourage them from attending any such events.

For any young people that attend these events there are possible repercussions:

•  Violence and Antisocial Behaviour: Think about how your actions and behaviour affects others, you will be committing criminal offences and could be arrested
• Remember the company you keep: if your friend breaks the law, you may also be held responsible for that crime, even if you weren’t the one directly responsible.
• COVID 19 – we are in the midst of a health pandemic such gatherings will have repercussions and are not allowed!

If you receive any information about this event please contact the Police and report it.

There will be an increase in Police Presence over the weekend to monitor these locations.