Information on Loughborough

Fun in the Park addresses anti-social behaviour

Posted on 21/10/2009

Leicestershire Councty Council Chief Executive's

20 October 2009

Fun in the Park addresses anti-social behaviour ***Photo op: 11am – 3pm, Wednesday, October 21, Thorpe Acre Park, Loughborough***

A community fun day is being held in a bid to address anti-social behaviour in a Loughborough neighbourhood.

Fun on the Park, which will take place from 11am – 3pm tomorrow (Wednesday) at Thorpe Acre Park, has been organised by Leicestershire Youth Offending Service’s IMPACT Project and Charnwood Community Partnership.

The aim of the event is to make young people - and their families - more aware of provision for them within their local community and to divert them from getting involved in anti-social behaviour.

There will be the opportunity for visitors to take part in various activities such as dance workshops, face painting, a bouncy castle, healthy eating events, non-alcoholic smoothie making and a penalty shoot out.

The Street Vibe bus, which is equipped with music decks, Nintendo Wii and information for young people, will also be at the event.

The IMPACT team has been working in the area since July following a referral from the police who raised concerns about low level anti-social behaviour.

The team identified that only a few young people take part in positive activities outside of education and some are not accessing education, employment or training.

Kam Chauhan, IMPACT Project Manager from Leicestershire Youth Offending Service, said: “The IMPACT workers have engaged positively with the young people in the Thorpe Acre area and have educated young people about the consequences of anti social behaviour and how their behaviour impacts on the wider community.”

Cabinet member for Community Safety at Leicestershire County Council Byron Rhodes said: “We are hoping that the event will enable young people and families to access local provisions in the area and therefore reduce anti social behaviour in the neighbourhood.  

“Fun in the Park will also give the opportunity for members of the community to raise concerns they have with the local police who will be supporting the event on the day.”

Cllr David Snartt, Chairman of the Charnwood Community Safety Partnership, said: “We are very happy to work in partnership with the IMPACT workers. They deliver a very valuable service and make a significant contribution to reducing Anti Social Behaviour across Leicestershire. I wish them well for their fun day and am sure it will be a tremendous success.”

The event will also be supported by Charnwood Borough Council’s Sports Development Team, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, Leicestershire Police, Catch 22, Next Level Café and Leicestershire Youth Service.

ENDS

For further information about the event please contact Kam Chauhan, IMPACT Project Manager, on 0116 2606000.