THERE have been reports that groups of youths have been seen kicking a football around a park, damaging flower beds. 

Over the weekend, it was reported that youths were seen kicking a football around in St Nicholas Gardens, Whitehaven, causing damage to flower beds. 

Cumbria Police have asked members of the public to 'have a little more respect' for town centre public spaces like St Nicholas Gardens. 

New flowers have since been replanted to make the area more appealing to members of the community. 

In a post on social media, Cumbria Police wrote: "It was a pleasure to meet one of the hard-working members of our community, planting all the new winter flowers in St Nicholas Gardens. 

"It is clear the hard work that goes into our green spaces in town so it was disappointing to hear reports of kids recklessly kicking a football around the park and into flower beds at the weekend. 

"Please can we be mindful of appropriate places to play ball and have a little more respect? We will be keeping an eye on this and action will be taken about any ASB."