COMMUNITY spirit is alive in Brookvale after volunteers gave up their Sunday morning to help make a park safer, in response to two teenagers being robbed there.

As previously reported in the Gazette, 16-year-old Bobby Mills was walking home with his girlfriend through King George V playing fields near Morrisons when they were approached from behind by two men.

The men threatened to stab the couple if they didn’t hand over their valuables.

The robbers, described as in their 30s and 40s, took Bobby’s phone and his girlfriend’s purse, leaving them both shaken.

Now, the Brookvale community has responded by clearing away undergrowth from around the park to make it safer for everyone.

Organised by the community association in response to calls from residents concerned about the incident, the event saw more than 20 people turn out to help with the work, including Bobby.

Cathy Williams, a volunteer with Brookvale Community Association, said: “People just felt that they weren’t safe along this path. We thought we would get the community together to make people feel safer. We have had a good turnout.”

Anne Millington, 60, who walks her dog through the park, said: “I see movement in the bushes and it’s really unnerving so this is brilliant for making us feel safer. It’s amazing to see people take time out of their Sunday to help.”

Janine Stone said the robbery had made her feel nervous about her 13-year-old daughter walking outside after dark.

The 48-year-old added: “She often is out with her friends and walks into town and I have been picking her up from town and not allowing her to walk through the park. I won’t allow her to walk the dog her once it gets dark.”

However, she said the community action made her feel more positive, adding: “It’s amazing that we have spent one hour and achieved so much as a community. Brookvale is a fantastic community and it’s this sort of thing that makes it a good place to live. We won’t accept what’s going on.”

Arun Mummalanen, who has two young daughters, said the incident had also made him worried about using the park, explaining: “Since that happened, I’m a bit nervous about coming here. My wife brings the kids to this park but we are cautious now.”

Bobby, who was there to help volunteer, said he was pleased to see so many people giving their time up in response to what happened to him.

He added: “You get people who wait in the bushes for vulnerable people to come through and I was unfortunately one of those people.”

The teenager said the incident had made him more cautious about walking outside, saying: “It’s more my social life that’s been affected I don’t wander round anywhere. I used to be out all the time now I’m not once it gets dark.”

He added: “It’s nice to se all these people here wanting to do something.”

Anyone with information about the incident should contact Hampshire Constabulary on 101 quoting 44200002134.