Playtime with Nailsea police

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Nailsea police officers are organising Friday night youth play sessions in a local park in an attempt to combat anti-social behaviour.

After a spate of problems with 'bored' young people last summer it is hoped this community initiative will go some way to solving the 'there is nothing to do' complaints.

Underage drink and drug taking, criminal damage and reports of older bullies stopping younger children using the skate park were reported in 2017.

Nailsea beat team officer Peter Rooke said at the time: “Unfortunately we have seen a marked increase in general ASB, incidents of criminal damage, underage drinking and littering over the past few months.

“Officers have seized large quantities of alcohol from people we know are under 18, there is evidence of cannabis use and park equipment and furniture, including picnic benches and play equipment, have been badly damaged and will need to be replaced.

“We have also seen extensive littering, not only of general rubbish, but hundreds and hundreds of nitrous oxide gas canisters, which is another expense to council to clear up.”

From Friday, May 25, 7-9pm activites at Millennium Park will offer taster evenings for young people on what is on offer in the town.

Already signed up are:

• Mobile police station with games console and special challenge;

• Scotch Horn Leisure Centre;

• Carpe Diem Boot Camp - sessions from 7pm;

• Nailsea & Backwell Rugby Club;

• Shidokai Judo Club;

• Royal Navy and Royal Marine cadets;

• Nailsea Masonic Hall members;

• Youth reward scheme; and

• Younger children and their parents can enjoy football cage sessions.

Police sergeant Mark Raby said: “We think it’s really important that young people and their families have the opportunity to find out more about events, clubs and other opportunities locally.

"In previous years Millennium Park has suffered from ASB especially in the lighter summer months.

“We  get told 'there’s nothing to do' and we know that cutbacks in the district council-funded youth services have left teenagers with less organised options.

"Ths sometimes results in a minority causing a nuisance or getting into trouble resulting in a really negative affect on communities and we’d like to use these Friday evenings as an opportunity to unite the town.

"Between May and September  two local neighbourhood police officers will be present in the park to ensure it remains safe for everyone."

To support Sgt Raby get in touch with Nailsea local policing team on 101 who is putting together a programme of events.