Public access to Midhurst polo pitches may be withdrawn if anti-social behaviour continues

Incidents of aggression, the use of prohibited substances, noise and vandalism have all been reported on the polo pitches at the Lawns, which were made available for the community to enjoy during and after lockdown,

A spokesman for the Cowdray Estate said: “Cowdray have been delighted to make the polo pitches at Lawns available for the community to enjoy both during and after lockdown.

“It has been a pleasure to see families enjoying the space and whilst polo has recommenced, we have been keen for them to remain open when not in use.

“Whilst there have been a number of groups of predominantly teenagers congregating on the River Ground, generally they are to be applauded for respecting the location and clearing up after themselves.

“Sadly however there have been a number of recent incidents of anti social behaviour which will not be tolerated by the Estate.

“As such notice was given that if these incidents continued, public access to all the polo pitches would be brought to an end.

“Fortunately we have not witnessed reoccurrences of the incidences and therefore the polo pitches will remain open.

“However the position will continue to be reviewed.”