What issues concerned you most in your area
The number of large groups of young people gathering in the Dodworth area is increasing.
Large numbers of young persons are gathering in areas of Dodworth including parks and the High Street.
Early evenings with Fridays and Saturdays being more popular.
Update April 2012:
As a Safer Neighbourhood Team we have worked in partnership and completed many actions to decrease the numbers of young persons gathering on High Street and to encourage them to become involved in other activities. This has included work completed in conjunction with our partner agencies including Elected members, Youth Services, local Schools and shops.
An electric light was fitted at the Youth Shelter already located behind Dodworth Library. In speaking to many of the young persons gathering on High Street it was apparent that the Youth Shelter was not being used during night time hours. This light was provided through funding applied for by Elected Members from Community Support.
A dome camera was placed at the end of High Street to monitor affected areas to gather potential evidence of anti-social behaviour and to discourage such behaviour through awareness of this fact.
Through liasion with Barnsley Youth Services the 'Youth Bus' has been visiting Dodworth area and engaging with local young persons to find out what their needs and wants are.
A number of anti-social Behaviour warning letters have been issued and the young persons visited in the presence of their parents. These letters are the start of proceedings in evidence gathering for potential anti-social behaviour warnings if this become necessary.
All local Schools have been visited to identify any young persons involved in anti-social behaviour and to play an active part in raising awareness of what effect persons gathering can have on local persons, even if no criminal activities are being committed.
Licensed premises in the area have been contacted and advised about selling to underage persons and to be aware of persons purchasing alcohol for underage drinkers. A number of test purchasing operarations have been completed and no licensed premises sold alcohol to any underage test purchasers.
A local anti-social behaviour survey was completed and the returned forms reported a decrease in incidents and an overall feeling that there is no issue with young persons on Dodworth High Street or surrounding areas. But that it is purely perception and numbers gathering that causes concern.
Update:
Since this was made a local priority in March we have increased patrols in the area of Dodworth and Gilroyd. Postive action is taken against any persons acting in a manner not acceptable for public view.
The shift pattern for the local SNT has been amended to incorporate longer hours during the peak times of Friday and Satrday evenings allowing better coverage of these areas to be patrolled.
Repeat offenders have been identified and further action is being commenced against these individuals.