Holme is in need of shelter

Published on 8th November 2007 in News

The issue of youth shelters in Holme-on-Spalding Moor was tackled at Howden and Howdenshire Police and Partners Community Forum recently.

The forum's chairman, Howdenshire Ward councillor Paul Robinson, said: "The Police Forum is an opportunity for residents to listen to and question the police, anti-social-behaviour teams and other groups and also put forward, concerns, suggestions and requests.

"These are then passed to the Howden and Howdenshire Neighbourhood Action Team (NATs) to be addressed.

"Of the young people who attended the meeting, it was clear that a significant proportion do not necessarily want to become involved in organised activities, but just want to 'hang around' with their friends in a relatively secure, dry and sheltered area.

"A place in which they feel comfortable in doing the things they want to do, without interference from adults, but at the same time not totally isolated in case of threat or danger.

"This is where the concept of youth shelters can be very successful."

Gilberdyke already has a successful example of a youth shelter, where the community there identified youth issues as their main concern.

The Bubwith community has also recently secured funding for youth shelters from Yorkshire Forward.

Mr Robinson said: "As with Gilberdyke, it was felt that youth congregated in areas where they were not wanted and caused a nuisance.

"They engaged in anti-social behaviour and were perceived as a threat to many, especially older people who felt intimidated."

"There is no doubt that further youth facilities are needed in Holme-on-Spalding Moor, but to ensure success it is imperative that the young people, as well as other groups in the community, continue to be consulted directly."

To move this issue forward, the Neighbourhood Action Team is to shortly meet in Holme to discuss the issue of youth shelters with representatives of community groups as well as the young people themselves.

Mr Robinson added: "To involve young people in the decision-making process from the very beginning will give them a sense of ownership, which ultimately can lead to them taking care of any facility once constructed.

"On speaking to many of the young people in Gilberdyke their priority is to have the existing youth shelters, which have not been damaged over the last five years, replaced with less draughty models."