August 5, 2011 11.35 am This story is over 160 months old

Scheme aims to curb anti-social behaviour

Something to do: Youths in a Lincoln park will be given fun activities to do to curb antisocial behaviour.
Lending a hand: Off the Bench members helping in the community

Young people in Hartsholme Country Park will get the chance participate in interesting activities to stop antisocial behaviour thanks to funding from local authorities.

Starting on August 5, local organisations Off The Bench, The Showroom and The Acts Trust will bring the activities to the park for 12 weeks.

On Friday nights, participants will get to try graffiti workshops, interactive gaming sessions and multisports activities.

As well as taking part in activities, the young people will be able to learn about substance misuse, alcohol awareness and sexual health.

The problem

The scheme, which has been devised by the City of Lincoln Council, is designed to tackle anti-social behaviour in the park.

There were 20 incidents of anti-social behaviour in Hartsholme in June 2011

There will also be volunteering opportunities for young people not in education, employment or training.

Simon Colburn, Anti-Social Behaviour Manager at the City of Lincoln Council, said: “We are aware that over the summer there can be large groups of young people hanging around in Hartsholme Park.

“Sometimes this leads to anti-social behaviour and crime. This new project is an exciting partnership to give those young people something to do to divert them away from anti-social behaviour.”

On a larger scale

The scheme will also run at a number of other areas in Lincoln:

  • Monday 8th to Friday 12th August – Moorland Community Centre
  • Monday 15th to Friday 19th August – St Giles Youth Centre, Swift Gardens and Saxilby Recreation Centre
  • Monday 22nd to Friday 26th August Birchwood Leisure Centre

Pete Genders, Off The Bench Development Manager said: “It’s going to be a new, exciting and refreshing programme of activities with some fantastic activities like graffiti workshops and multisports sessions.

“It’s great to get Off The Bench, Energize and The Showroom working together in a partnership with the City of Lincoln Council on a truly worthwhile project that will really make a difference to young people engaging in anti-social behaviour in Hartsholme.”

Dan Hargreaves from The Acts Trust, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Off the Bench and the City of Lincoln City Council on these projects and hope that the positive activities provided will be a breath of fresh air for the young people and community whilst tackling some of the anti social behaviour found at the park.”