YOUTH related anti-social behaviour was reduced significantly in communities throughout Chester during the summer holidays, police have claimed.
Incidents were down by 32 per cent across the outer sector of the city including Blacon, Lache, Hoole, Upton and Saughall, which police say is largely due to the success of diversionary activities for young people rolled out across the various areas.
Meanwhile, criminal damage was also reduced by 30 per cent across the communities, said Blacon Community Sergeant Ian Wilson, from the Chester Outer Neighbourhood Policing Team.
Incidents of youth related incidents in the Blacon area were down by 23 per cent.
Sgt Wilson said diversionary activities including the return of the popular Panna football cage, and ramp riders skate facility have largely contributed to the fall in incidents.
Importantly, youth related anti-social behaviour incidents have continued to fall since the introduction of the activities for young people across communities.
“Community engagement appears to prove largely successful in tackling youth related anti-social behaviour and the aim is to increase diversionary activity provision where possible.” added Sgt Wilson.
Meanwhile a footballing programme geared to reducing anti-social behaviour in Blacon is going from strength to strength.
Former Chester FC striker Michael Wilde is now permanently running the weekly coaching sessions at Blacon High School every Wednesday between 5.30-7.30pm.
The project is supported and funded by the Blacon councillors Reggie Jones, Carolyn Graham and Marie Nelson, and with the aim of creating opportunities for young people in Blacon. The programme engages young people whilst helping Chester FC to establish strong community links within the Blacon Area. Cheshire police have also been instrumental in bringing the programme about.