The activities and events organised by Darlington Council’s Youth Service have seen more than 130 people take part in football sessions on Thursdays at Springfield, with more attending a rodeo bull event at South Park and disk golf at Hurworth.
The activities and events are part of Summer Nights, a campaign aimed at tackling alcohol misuse, launched by Darlington Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP).
The campaign has seen the police, fire service, health services, Darlington Council’s wardens, youth services, trading standards and Street Scene teams working together to address alcohol issues during the summer.
The agencies involved aim to divert young people away from using alcohol by promoting other activities.
Darlington’s Youth Service works with private and voluntary sector organisations to promote activities and events taking place across the Borough through the www.clicktodo.co.uk website.
This week events and activities for young people include:
• Wednesday August 13 – Albert Hill Youth Club at St William’s Church Hall, 7pm to 9pm
• Thursday August 14 – Hangout session at Nickstream Lane, 6.30pm to 8.30pm
• Friday August 15 – South Park, 3pm to 5pm, crazy golf
• Saturday August 16 – Out and about in Darlington town centre, 1pm to 3pm
• Sunday August 17 – Cultural Xplosion, an event aimed at bringing cultures together through music and dance in the Market Square at part of the Summer Market Spectacular, 1pm to 6pm
• Monday August 18 – activities on Red Hall estate, 7pm to 9pm
• Tuesday August 19 – Skerne Park Youth Club, 6.30pm to 8.30pm.
Throughout the campaign officers are carrying out high visibility patrols and enforcement activity in known hotspots and providing fast-track responses to reported incidents of anti-social behaviour.
Since the campaign began officers have reported a decrease in the number of young people found with alcohol.
Inspector Sue Robinson from Darlington police said: “There have been 16 youths stopped over the last week and of those only three had alcohol confiscated. The usual hotspot areas have been very quiet, so we hope the message is getting through and these young people are taking part in the many activities and events available throughout the Summer, instead of drinking.”
This weekend officers will be out and about in the town on the community safety bus, picking up any young people under the influence of alcohol. The young people will then be taken to a safe place, from where their parents will be able to collect them. Parents will be given information and advice about alcohol misuse.
Undercover officers will also be visiting shops where young people are known to hang around and ask adults to buy alcohol for them.
If the officers are approached by the young people and asked to buy alcohol for them, the youngsters will be detained. Uniformed officers will then be called to take the young person home, where information and advice will be provided to their parents.
Throughout the campaign the police and Darlington Council’s Trading Standards will be cracking down on problem premises which sell alcohol irresponsibly to drunk or underage people.
Anyone who suspects a shop of selling alcohol to children should contact the police on 0345 6060 365.
Anyone experiencing problems with anti-social behaviour or who would like more information about the Summer Nights campaign, can contact:
• Anti-social behaviour team (01325) 346831
• Uniformed Wardens 07816 820048
• Police (non-emergency) 0345 6060 365
• Fire Service (community safety) 0191 332 4222
• Youth Service (01325) 346431
• Street Scene (to report graffiti, fly tipping etc) (01325) 388777
Anyone concerned about a friend or family member, or requiring support with alcohol issues, should contact:
• The SWITCH Team for services for people under 18 years old on (01325) 346487
• People over 18 can contact North East Council on Addictions on (01325) 243377 or contact social services on (01642) 631123.