A MP HAS back up calls for action following a dramatic growth in anti-social behaviour at Rhyl's Botanical Gardens.

Last week, the Journal reported how yobs had sprayed obscene graffiti on the Sunny Rhyl Bowling Club at the gardens.

A fish pond and a bird bath was also sprayed with the same substance.

Clean up efforts have been carried out, but the grass has been "destroyed" and the shape [of a penis] is still visible.

Other incidents which have also occurred include a a dog being thrown over the two-metre high fence around the bowling green; volunteers being verbally abused and bike skid marks - which were several centimetres deep - on the green.

A memorial tree has also been badly vandalised.

Dr James Davies, MP for Vale of Clwyd, said: “The situation at the Botanical Gardens is getting out of hand and needs to be addressed quickly. The lack of respect by those responsible is unacceptable.”

“The extent of damage at the gardens is substantial.

“It is clear that measures that have been put in place to date are simply not working and a different approach is needed.

“Some have suggested a warden, or for the gardens to be closed in the evenings.

“I am grateful that the police have commenced targeted patrols by their Neighbourhood Policing Team in and around the area, but I feel much more needs to be done if we are to put an end to these issues, and I will continue working with the police and the council to find the solutions needed.”

Dr Davies has written to the council in the past and has contacted them again after recent further complaints.

He has also been liaising with the district inspector for the Denbighshire Coastal Area and is writing to nearby residents to encourage them to share their experience of the problems.

Cllr Brian Jones, Denbighshire County Councillor and cabinet member, has also received several complaints from residents and is pursuing the matter with the the local authority.