Albert Road Bridge problems

11.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Sun 1st Jun 2008

Gangs of youths gather under Albert Road Bridge

The arches under Albert Road Bridge in North Road ward have again become a trouble spot. Gangs of young people gather there, making a lot of noise and leaving litter and broken bottles.

Recently, Cllr Fred Lawton called the wardens to sort out some trouble there. They spoke to the youths, both girls and boys, and were greeted with a torrent of abuse and bad language. The wardens called on the police, who dispersed the gang.

This behaviour causes real problems for local residents, many of them elderly, who feel trapped in their homes on evenings like this.

Local ward councillors Fred Lawton and Mike Barker were determined to get something done about this, so they organised a meeting with the police and the Council's Anti-Social Behaviour Officers.

Now the Council has agreed that the Albert Road Bridge area will be categorised as a "Hot Spot". This means the wardens will do extra patrols and will respond promptly to any calls from residents about trouble there.

The police, however, refused to put the bridge on their "Hot Spot" list. Apparently there haven't been enough complaints. However, residents get sick of ringing the police because they hardly ever respond!

Please report any anti-social behaviour.

The Wardens can be reached on 346831 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and mobile phone 07816820048 up to 10pm every day except Sunday, when they finish at 8pm.

At all other times, or for more serious incidents, telephone the police on 08456 060365 (the emergency number for serious crime is still 999).

Reporting all incidents will result in the authorities giving a greater priority to the trouble spots in our ward.

You should keep a record of these calls for help and if you are unhappy with the response let Fred or Mike know about it.

Mike and Fred continue to fight for a community centre where young people can let off steam legally. But the lack of such an amenity does not give youngsters a right to make other people's lives a misery!