INFURIATED residents are demanding an end to booze-fuelled gatherings of people on council-run sports fields near to where a restaurant is operating a takeaway service.

Police have been called to Ruskin Drive sportsground in Dentons Green on three out of the past four Saturdays after reports of large groups of people on cricket pitches which are owned by St Helens Borough Council.

The large gatherings are breaching coronavirus lockdown rules that remain in place and creating anti-social behaviour, residents claim.

Residents have told the Star there were more than 100 people there last Saturday and that some visitors are urinating in public view.

Disgusted neighbours, who have complained to Windle ward councillors and St Helens Council, say children living on nearby streets have witnessed the behaviour.

One resident said there were so many people there last Saturday that it looked like "a festival" was happening.

The Star has previously reported after concerns were raised over large groups of people drinking on the cricket field close to the Sticky Wicket Bar & Grill, which has been offering a takeaway service.

Police attended the sports ground over the last two weekends in May and were again called to Ruskin Drive on Saturday, June 13 following reports from residents.

It is believed some people are buying food and drink from the privately owned Sticky Wicket and then joining friends on the fields.

Others are thought to be taking their own alcohol and arriving at the sports field.

Some residents have called on the police to introduce protection or dispersal orders to make sure the groups are moved on.

Merseyside Police said they received a few calls last weekend though added there was nothing to suggest that there was any criminality taking place.

Officers attended Ruskin Drive and have spoken to the council over the matter.

Under licensing agreements, the Sticky Wicket is allowed to serve food and drink to takeaway customers during the coronavirus restrictions.

The restaurant's management says it is taking concerns on board and has introduced toilet facilities. 

But unhappy Ruskin Drive residents have questioned whether serving beer in plastic glasses is the right thing to do if, instead of heading home, people are then going on to gather in large groups and causing anti-social behaviour.

One resident, who asked not to be named, said: "I'm all for getting businesses back on their feet but you start to question this.

"Yes, you have got people bringing their own alcohol but by it being sold nearby in plastic glasses is that not facilitating the problem?

"It's just become a park for people to drink in. Would the council condone it in Victoria Park or Taylor Park? I doubt it."

Responding to the concerns, Cllr Jeanie Bell, cabinet member for community safety at the council, said: "The council are aware and appreciate residents’ concerns with regards to the Ruskin Drive area – and are working with all parties to ensure adherence to the law is complied.

“We urge people visiting the onsite business to vacate the premises once they have collected their takeaway – and to stay away all together if they have no reason to be there.

“Although lockdown measures have been relaxed – large gathering are still forbidden and it is important to remember, for everyone’s health, to maintain social distancing, keeping at least two-metres away from the nearest person when out in public.

“Local residents are advised that any concerns regarding anti-social behaviour in the locality can be reported safer.sthelens.gov.uk/pages/ready-2-respect."

Stephen Palfrey, operations director at Ruskin St Helens, which runs the Sticky Wicket, added: "We've listened to residents and some had asked that toilet facilities were provided which we did and now others have criticised this.

"We continue to provide on site security and cleaning to ensure that the grounds remain safe and clean and free of any anti-social behaviour as we continue with our delivery and take away service.

"We have been working extremely closely with the Council's Environmental Health Team, the Licensing Team and the Police and we continue to do this to make sure that we are operating within permitted limits."