Vandalism sparks summit for young people in Barow park
Last updated at 17:05, Monday, 26 November 2012
VANDALISM to playgrounds across Furness prompted a meeting between youngsters, police, council officers and other agencies.
The play area in Church Street, Barrow, was closed “for the foreseeable future” due to persistent vandalism.
It was the most costly of attacks on five council-owned parks across the borough towards the end of the school summer holidays.
And in September, two players’ shelters at Barrow Park Bowling Club were kicked to bits.
They were built in 2010 thanks to £1,100 in donations.
In response, a summit called Love Barrow Park was held at the skatepark near The Park Leisure Centre earlier this month.
At least 60 young people attended and spoke with staff from Barrow Borough Council, PCSOs and representatives from crime reduction charity NACRO and community enterprise Inspira.
They discussed the vandalism, which totalled more than £15,000, and Rebecca Rawlings, council community safety officer, said: “They were, just like us, saying it was terrible and couldn’t understand why anyone would do anything like that.
They looked at it as daft and mindless and I would be quite convinced they were not the ones involved in any of the vandalism.”
The youngsters, aged around 13 to 18, took part in a skating competition organised by Kieron Christian and Michael Holden from the Drop Zone youth club, and enjoyed burgers and drinks from Mr Pickwick’s snack van.
They also answered questionnaires and spoke about what they would, and would not, like to see in the park.
Ms Rawlings said: “One of the things they were really interested in was having floodlights around the skatepark so they can skate later, which is something that would be brilliant, but there is the cost to consider.
“A few were talking to Keith Johnson (council assistant director of community services) and they were really impressed he was listening to their views, as young people, and taking them seriously.
“They really liked that and understood the money restraints. They were articulate and well-rounded young people.”
First published at 16:41, Monday, 26 November 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk
Editor's picks
- Tata Steel reveals heavy losses
- Cumbria delegation visits UK's biggest energy conference
- The Apprentice - funniest tweets for episode four, series nine
- Local food expert gives opinion on this week's Apprentice
- Tata Steel reveals heavy losses
- Cumbria's superfast broadband delayed by EU red tape again
- Pirelli factory death probe ordered tougher safety measures
- Dangerous machines among H&S offences in Carlisle area
- Factory heat could be used to warm 30,000 Cumbrian homes
- City predicts parts of Stobart Group will be sold
More news
- Rise in profits for United Utilities
- Penrith's Stars of Business finalists announced
- Reward for west Cumbria's unsung tourism ambassadors
- £100m turnover in sight for Cumbrian recruitment firm
- Struggling M&S failing to impress Carlisle shoppers (17 comments)
- Give small shops rate relief like charities, says Cumbrian MP
- Cumbrian success in Visit England awards
Vote
New vacancies
Useful links
BBC News business headlines
in-cumbria features
Investment to increase capacity at Carlisle’s Lanes shopping centre is on the cards following a change of ownership. 
What brought one of the most advanced performance management systems to Cumbria?
Cumbria business women make waves on the west coast - Reward for west Cumbria's unsung tourism ambassadors
- £100m turnover in sight for Cumbrian recruitment firm
- Struggling M&S failing to impress Carlisle shoppers (17 comments)
- Give small shops rate relief like charities, says Cumbrian MP
- Cumbrian success in Visit England awards
- Profits plunge for West Coast Mainline bidder FirstGroup
- Empty Hoopers store in Carlisle poised for £1m sale
- Rail workers threaten ballot over ‘skimpy’ Virgin Trains uniforms
- Cumbrian firms missing the boat over apprentices
- Stobart Group boss hopes for flights from Carlisle next summer
- Woman seriously hurt in tiger attack at Cumbrian zoo
- Three vehicle crash closes road near Brampton
- Fuel poverty figures for Cumbria revealed
- Mum and daughter who died on Windermere were poisoned by carbon monoxide, report shows
- Pair who murdered man in Carlisle street sentenced to 50 years
- Carlisle park attack victim left with ‘appalling’ facial injuries
- Barrow hospital wartime tea dance turns back the clock for patients
- South Cumbria citizens advice groups will benefit from £1m lottery awards
- Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit brings South Lakes to small screen
- Lakes museum restoration nears fund milestone
Have your say
Be the first to comment on this article!
Make your comment