A recreational area in Devonshire that was taken over by loiterers has been given back to the community thanks to area residents working with police and the Government.

Sandys Dock, just west of Devonshire Dock on North Shore, had been a popular location for families with young children who came to relax, play, and swim.

However, residents became wary of visiting the tranquil spot after groups of young men began to congregate.

It also became a dumping ground for garbage and there were complaints of late-night noise.

Residents contacted the Government and the location has now been cleared of debris.

Police have taken a gentle approach to averting antisocial behaviour, reminding users that it is a facility that the entire community should be allowed to enjoy.

Residents gathered this morning at the dock, where they met with Darrin Simons, the Commissioner of Police, and Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security.

Mr Simons said: “There have been complaints from residents about noise, trash, loitering and other things that were causing some concern to the neighbours.

“Historically this has been an area where families with young children might come. The presence of young men can cause a bit of apprehension and make people not as keen to visit.

“We’ve been having conversations with area residents and the gentlemen that hang around here, trying to explain what is acceptable behaviour and encourage people to act in that manner.

“When you approach individuals reasonably, reasonable individuals respond positively, and that’s what’s happened.

“We’re just working to try and make it more hospitable and acceptable to everyone around.”

Mr Simons applauded the Government for also stepping in and “fixing up” the area, adding: “It’s not finished yet, it’s a work in progress.”

Mr Weeks, who was raised in the area, confirmed that the Government became involved after being contacted by residents.

He said: “It’s a very popular spot and the community wanted to bring it back to the way it used to be — to beautify it.

“We’re just hoping now that the community can come together and respect each other. It’s always been our message that we have to operate as a community, so things like noise and untoward behaviour are not going to be tolerated, especially at this kind of very public spot.

“Every now and then people have to be reminded that this is a community spot where a lot of children come — I was one of the youngsters that was raised down here, so it’s not a new spot. But it should be accessible to everyone.“

Area residents agreed.

Joshua Richardson, a senior, said: “My wife used to come down here — we live just a few minutes up the road — but she stopped.

“I can’t say we were aware of any criminal activity and I’m very much a person who believes in ‘live and let live’, but it definitely went downhill for a number of reasons.

“When I tell my wife about this, I know she’ going to start coming down here again.”

Steven Samuels, another resident, said: “I have no problem with guys sitting off of the shoreline — I do it too — but when you do it and continually leave the place untidy …

“My mother used to bring me and the family down here when I was 6 or 7 years old. They were family days — I used to swim in the shallows and there was a sandpit just over there. It was good fun — a good way to be brought up. Hopefully it now can be again.”