POLICE are planning to take action to curb a sudden rise in drink and drug-related incidents at a popular city park.

This has included an "appalling attack" on the city's youth service van which several teenagers tried to tip over while youth workers and young children were inside.

Other incidents at St Thomas Pleasure Ground have included young people being intimidated by suspected drug users and repeated vandalism to the public toilets with fires set and sinks ripped off walls, as well as instances of alleged drug deals.

Police, along with Exeter City Council, are backing plans for a Section 30 dispersal order to be introduced at the park, giving them the power to move people who are causing problems.

Some park benches have already been removed to stop "loitering by drug users".

If approved, the Section 30 order will run for six months.

PC Chris Conway, who is acting sergeant in charge of policing in the west of the city, said: "Adults have been using the park as a meeting place, either drug-related or to consume alcohol, particularly in the evenings and at weekends.

"Prior to this recent increase, there had been a very low number of incidents in the last two years and we are fully committed to return to this."

The imposition of the Section 30 also has the backing of the city council. A spokesman said: "Two of the park benches were subject to antisocial behaviour. In consultation with police and residents, the benches have been removed, with a view to relocating them elsewhere in the park at a later date."

The spokesman added that Devon Youth Service was also backing the Section 30 order, as were work experience students from West Exe College who had been at a recent meeting as guests of the police.

The spokesman added: "The opportunity was taken last month to seek their views and opinions on the issue. They also approved of any steps to protect young people from exposure to alcohol and drugs."

A spokesman for Devon County Council said: "The youth service welcomes the introduction of the Section 30 dispersal order, which will help ensure the protection of young people and youth workers from a minority of adults who are intimidating them during the youth sessions."

St Thomas city and county councillor Rob Hannaford said: "Our local parks form a vital part of the community and we must ensure that they are safe, secure and clean for everyone that uses them.

"It's just terrible that local parents have not been able to use the toilets when they are taking their children to the play area and park. Indeed, I have had many angry and distressed mothers contact me to complain that the drug-dealing seems to be much worse in the ladies toilet as its entrance is more secluded than the gents.

"I am also appalled that the youth bus, youth workers and young people have been attacked. It is hard enough getting resources into St Thomas for youth work and getting youngsters involved in the first place, so we definitely don't need any extra barriers to engagement work."