FAR-reaching measures to remove gangs of troublesome teenagers from gathering in children's play areas have been drawn up in a bid to cut crime and ease residents' fears, reports Karen Barden.

By-laws, which would make it an offence for groups of over 14s to enter or remain in all South Lakeland District Council's

52 playgrounds, could be in force by the summer and carry maximum fines of £500.

Using the Government's fast track system of model by-laws, which cuts time taken to approve the proposals, the council hopes it can reduce an "immense irritation" across the district.

According to SLDC's parks and contracts officer Tony Naylor, teenagers hanging around play areas late at night have been causing significant problems, particularly as police have no existing powers to evict them.

Youths have broken expensive play equipment, been abusive, left a trail of graffiti behind them and used the playgrounds as drinking dens, explained Mr Naylor.

He said Sandylands and Abbot Hall Parks in Kendal, along with Lightburn in Ulverston and Windermere's Queen's Park had been particularly hard hit.

"It's been going on for years and police have had no power to chase them off," said Mr Naylor.

"It is a cause of immense irritation."

Although there are signs advising that play areas are closed from dawn to dusk, they have not, according to Mr Naylor, had any effect on "hard core groups."

But SLDC's actions have been slammed by Dave Wrigley, a development officer with special responsibilities for youth for Cumbria County Council.

He said teenagers and youth organisations should have been consulted and he blamed a lack of facilities, particularly in rural areas, on gangs congregating in playgrounds.

"We are working with the voluntary sector to look at youth clubs and to help broaden their activities," explained Mr Wrigley.

"I think it is a great shame young people have not been approached about this.

There are questions which need to be asked: 'Why are you here?' 'What are you doing?' 'What else would you rather be doing?'"

He added he would be putting the matter before next week's meeting of South Lakes Youth Council.

However, Mr Naylor said there would be a one-month period before the by-laws were enforced during which objections could be raised.

Under current proposals, play areas would be out of bounds to everyone between 8pm and 8am.

Teenagers over 14 would be banned at all times, unless they are in charge of a child.

No-one over 14 will be able to use any apparatus or play equipment.

Although there are no plans to police the parks, anyone caught not complying with the by-laws could be arrested and charged.

Cumbria police spokesman Mike Smith said that each week complaints were received about youths in play areas.

"In the majority of cases there is no criminal offence, but there is a fear of crime among residents."

In 1999, Sandylands play area had to be closed for a time after falling victim to vandalism.

Old rubber surface tiles had lifted and there were allegations that drugs were being hidden underneath them.

By-law proposals will go before SLDC's general purposes committee next Tuesday and will be decided by the full council after the May elections.

It will cost £2,950 to produce and fix the signs, split between parks and housing maintenance budgets.