City awarded Government cash for diversionary youth activities

Release Date:  07-Nov-2008

Bristol has been awarded £25,000 to provide diversionary night-time activities in neighbourhoods where crime and anti-social behaviour is a major issue.

The Government cash, which was announced today (FRI) will fund activities on Friday and Saturday nights to be decided by young people themselves. These could range from alcohol-free nightclubs, to sports activities.

Councillor Derek Pickup, Cabinet Member for Care, Tackling Crime and Deprivation, said: “Tackling anti-social behaviour and associated criminal behaviour is one of the key issues for many people in Bristol, as it is for members of the public in towns and cities across the UK. Providing extra diversionary activities at the weekend can play a part in reducing the problem.

“An important element of this initiative is involving young people themselves, most of whom are of course law-abiding, in deciding what form these activities should take. Offering young people positive activities they would like to get involved with is the best way of ensuring a minority do not get into trouble.”

Bristol enjoys a national reputation for its innovative and successful approach to tackling anti-social behaviour.

The funding is part of a bigger, two-year deal under which Bristol is to receive up to £700,000 as part of a new Government initiative to tackle youth crime.

The money is targeted at areas selected on the basis of a ranking of deprivation; youth crime and perception of youth anti-social behaviour.

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