Police have now pledged to crack down on the vandalism and anti-social behaviour at the RSPB sanctuary at Point of Ayr, Talacre, after it was reported that the public bird hide at the site is being vandalised on a regular basis.
Rural North Flints
hire community beat manager PC Gill Lehrle says she is concerned after catching nine youths drinking alcohol and littering the shelter, which is not locked at night due to it being a public facility.
After moving the group of youths on, she returned to the site later to discover that someone had attempted to set the hide on fire.
Geoff Robinson, RSPB warden, said: "The hide is damaged on a regular basis and we have to repair it time and time again.
"The facility is enjoyed by hundreds of people and we cannot lock it up, because it would ruin it for everyone else.
"It is soul destroying to visit the area and find it vandalised after it has just been repaired.
"We also have to cut down on our other duties at the sanctuary, because repairing the shelter takes up all our time."
PC Lehrle said: "The hide is provided free of charge so that people can appreciate the wonderful birdlife that can be found on the Dee Estuary.
"It is not to be abused by local youths.
"I will be making more regular patrols of the area and will confiscate alcohol from anyone who is unable to provide valid identification.
"Anyone who witnesses any damage being caused to the hide can report it either directly to me or through Crimestoppers."
To report an incident, contact PC Lehrle on 07854 954480, North Wales Police on 0845 607 1002, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
The full article contains 319 words and appears in Evening Leader Flintshire newspaper.
