Youths speak out at meeting with police (From Gazette Series)

Youths speak out at meeting with police

YOUTHS were top of the agenda when police met the community in Kingswood.

Not only did the young people in the village form the basis of the majority of public questions but they also made up four of the 25-strong audience at last week's Police and Community Consultative Meeting.

Chief constable Dr Timothy Brain joined Cotswold and Stroud division's Chief Supt John Henry and Dursley inspector neighbourhood officers to discuss policing issues.

Opening his report Dursley's police chief, Insp Paul Donavan, welcomed the four boys to the meeting, stating it was unusual to have young at such a medeting.

The first question from Kingswood Village Hall treasurer Mike Tapner raised the issue of ongoing vandalism at the hall, which had cost £3,500 in the past year.

"The police are usually two to three hours late," he said. "A few weeks ago youths made an almighty mess with a skip in the car park. It is always the same people - names are given by nothing is done."

Insp Donovan admitted police were slow getting to grips with the problem but this was because they were not made aware of every incident.

"Out of eight incidents only two were reported. We don't have crystal balls and we can only act if we are informed about the crimes."

Mr Tapner added 90 percent of the youths were fine and it was a small element causing the problem.

Wotton-under-Edge officer PC Will Cawte said there is a police presence in the village and he visits the hall regularly.

"We would much rather see children playing here than around where people are living," he said. "People are not giving us names, as they may fear reprisals. But they can do this anonymously if they like - a little more help would be greatly appreciated."

Teenager Richard Jenkins said young people in the village have nothing to do. Youngsters had been campaigning for a skate park but he added: "We have sent a letter and a petition to the council about it but didn't get anything back from them."

Parish council chairman Cllr David Hatton said the council had explained at length it was down to the community to work toward facilities.

He stated: "We have achieved many facilities in the village but these are only possible because of the hard work of villagers. The only way things like this can be realised is by a joint effort."

Parish clerk Cath Holmes said she had offered to help the group to fundraise for the project.

"I did receive emails originally but these have petered out," added Mrs Holmes. "I have helped Charfield get funding for its park and that offer to help raise money is still there."

Dr Brain noted the four youths had left the meeting in the early stages.

"People find it difficult to build bridges," he stated. "I think this evening we have failed to build these bridges with these youths but there is a glimmer of hope and I would ask you to take this glimmer of hope and work on it."

He also said figures given at the start of the meeting indicated a low level of crime in the village.

"You do live in a very, very crime-free part of the world," he said. "I think you are owed a visit from the crime prevention officer and hopefully we can see if we can find a solution to the problems at the village hall."