Anti social behaviour in green spaces - Newcastle City Council

With the exception of the playground (open 8 am to 9 pm or dusk), this
recreation ground has adopted a policy of no locked gates. ‘Friends’ of
the park hosted meetings with young people using the park to try and
tackle problems of anti-social behaviour. As a consequence, they
lobbied for the introduction of the martial arts centre. Levels of antisocial
behaviour are monitored and ‘Friends’ submit regular reports on
any incidents that occur in the park.
4.6.7 Local authorities should consult with children and young people in
relation to access to and use of green space. Children need to be
consulted on new equipment and developments in green spaces and to
be able to participate in these developments. Graffiti and vandalism
decrease if children and young people feel some ownership for their
spaces. Stockport’s Crime and Disorder partnership carried out
consultation with young people, which led to them designing and
helping to build their own designated area within a local park, complete
with benches and water fountain.
4.6.8 CABE Space has recently published an illustrated paper entitled What
would you do with this space? which gives guidance on involving
young people in the design and care of urban spaces. The paper
outlines more good practice examples in the UK and abroad. They say:
‘The best way to get young people involved is to include the
project in a wider programme of events so it becomes a regular
part of their social life’
‘Giving young people the chance to learn new skills develops
their sense of pride in the local area.’
‘Children will play everywhere and therefore their “buy-in” to any
public space project is vital.’
‘Only by being involved and feeling that they can affect what
happens will young people feel a sense of ownership and
responsibility in using the public realm. And only by being
involved as children will they as adults feel the same sense of
responsibility and pride in their environment.’
4.6.9 The Urban Green Spaces Taskforce made a series of suggestions
designed to increase young people’s use of urban green spaces, many
of these have safety implications that impinge on all user groups. They
say green spaces and play areas should be:
clean, well maintained, free of litter and dog mess, with any
instances of graffiti and vandalism dealt with immediately
well lit with telephones and safe toilets (Baby changing facilities for
parents of younger children)
not too over-grown or wooded
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