PERSISTENT anti-social behaviour by a gang of young people alongside the River Avon at Hampton Ferry which, the owners say, is making their lives hell and fearful a child will drown this summer.
Every night since the hot weather started at the end of May, the area located in a natural beauty spot at the end of Boat Lane, has been a magnet for a large group of children who swim in the river.
Whilst most in the group of about 20 children are well-behaved, a small number are putting themselves and others in danger by interfering with the manually operated chain ferry dedicated to carrying people between Evesham and Hampton village.
Caution at the river. Picture Marcus Mingins
Dangerous actions include them hanging off the ferry rope, holding it up and obstructing boats using the river and hanging off the side of the ferry when in motion.
One child has already had a close call, fortunately being hauled from the water by the ferryman John Riley after disappearing under the surface three times.
The service is operated by the Raphael family who also own Raphael’s Restaurant nearby.
Staff asking the culprits to stop the dangerous behaviour have faced torrents of abuse and swearing.
Twice former mayor Diana Raphael expressed her concerns to the Observer, having tragically lost her own son aged three to drowning in the 1960s.
The 87-year-old said: “We are worried a child may drown – there have been at least 12 deaths in this stretch of river since I have lived here.”
What is frustrating Mrs Raphael is that the children are using the slipway into the river and landing stage to enter the river which belongs to the family.
Despite regular calls to the police who have come out in response, Mrs Raphael feels helpless as she has been told there is nothing she can do.
“They have said they can’t do anything to stop the kids using the slipway and landing stage.
“I do object to our property being used to access the river.”
She added the family were very close to closing the ferry and fencing off the area to the public.
Mrs Raphael was also ‘aghast’ when, after politely asking the children to not use the area, she was told to ‘f*** off’.
Children also regularly come into the restaurant dripping wet for the toilet and use parasol poles in sword fights.
“I know it’s hot but it’s our private property.
“It is most frustrating as nothing can be done and it’s driving us all mad,” she added.
Sgt Duncan Eades, from Evesham Safer Neighbourhood Team responded to our request for a comment.
“We are aware of reports of anti-social behaviour involving children in Boat Lane in Evesham and understand the concern this can cause to the community.
“We will continue to monitor the situation, and officers will carry out regular patrols in the area to provide reassurance and deter further incidents,” he said.
He urged any witnesses to anti-social behaviour or anyone with information to contact officers on 101.
