AN ENTIRE estate in Barnsley has been made a policing priority to eliminate antisocial behaviour following a request by a concerned councillor.
Athersley North has become the focus of police attention following repeated incidents of antisocial behaviour by individuals who have been on the radar of officers and the council for a number of years.
The decision was made at a PACT (police and communities together) meeting that covers the St Helen’s, Darton East, Darton West and Old Town wards.
Each time members meets, they are asked agree a new community safety priority to run for six weeks until the next meeting when it is reviewed and either continues or is changed. For several months the priority had been unruly behaviour around the McDonald's restaurant on Old Mill Lane and nearby Asda.
But Coun Jenny Platts, who represents the St Helen's ward, asked if Athersley North could be made the new prime concern. Cath Fairwether, the community safety team leader, told the Chronicle this was agreed as issues on the estate that had 'gone quiet' for a while have started up again.
Sgt Brad Wynne, who attends the community safety meetings, said: "Antisocial behaviour around particular areas of Athersley has been a priority for some time now.
"We have had issues with youths committing low level antisocial behaviour and our team continue to work hard to address these incidents. Any level of antisocial behaviour is too much as we know what a negative impact it can have on communities and we remain committed to tackling it and identifying those involved.
"After discussions with our partners at the council and concerns raised by residents, this issue has now become a priority for Athersley North. We are confident that our team can quickly eliminate this issue from the community and ensure Athersley is kept a safe and enjoyable place to live.
"If anyone has concerns regarding antisocial behaviour I'd always encourage them to report it to us either online, via 101, or speaking to their local PCSO."
The action comes less than a year after police clamped down on the estate to bring antisocial behaviour under control following complaints it was was blighting the lives of residents. The main concerns raised then were around nuisance behaviour by youths and significant issues with off-road bikes tearing around the estate, problems that continue to be raised by councillors at the community safety meetings.
Other problems encountered previously include reports of gangs of youths congregating and plaguing old folk by knocking on their doors and running off before they answer.
It prompted residents to demand a review into actions being taken to tackle problems under something called a 'community trigger' which is often initiated when other efforts to tackle a particular issue in an area have been unsuccessful.
