RESIDENTS are calling for action to be taken to prevent further anti social behaviour at the Camrose football ground following another suspected arson incident at the weekend.

The dilapidated site, part-owned by both Basron and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, has been lying empty since the town’s community football club was evicted in 2019.

However, in recent months it has become the target of anti social behaviour, with police upping patrols of the area in September, and suspected arson incidents in March and early June.

The fire service confirmed that one Basingstoke engine was dispatched to a fire at the ground on the evening of Saturday, July 3, "involving fence panels and astroturf".

One resident, who lives close to the scene and asked to remain unnamed, said they believed it was “another arson attack” and had to call 999 just before 6pm.

They told The Gazette: “Kids have set fire to the training courts next to the football ground tonight, I had to call 999 engine’s arrived had to put out the fire having to pull up on Winchester road.”

The resident said more needs to be done to address the issue, adding: “It’s not ideal, the fire service has a lot of better things to be doing.

“The football ground is becoming an issue and a target. This needs to stop.”

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s cabinet member for communities, planning and infrastructure, Cllr Simon Bound, said that the council’s community safety patrol officers were carrying out “regular high visibility patrols” as deterrence.

He added: “We have also been in regular contact with the owner of the site to get them to address antisocial behaviour through longer-term solutions such as installation of further fencing, security cameras and lights and security patrols.”

“Antisocial behaviour of any form is unacceptable and has a big impact on residents. We would encourage anyone who has witnessed antisocial behaviour or illegal entry to let the police know.”

Basron and Hampshire Constabulary have been contacted for comment.