Recently I’ve been made aware of some antisocial behaviour in a woodland area near the Ridge estate in Lancaster.
Residents have raised sustained concerns about fires, discarded needles, intimidation, violence, environmental damage and repeated disturbance in this area, leaving many feeling unsafe both in the public space and in their own homes.
I am very grateful for the proactive work of PC Carly Smith, who has met with residents and ensured the woodland area is now included on neighbourhood antisocial behaviour patrols.
Similar challenges are evident in higher-crime parts of Lancaster including Skerton, Ryelands, Hala and Scale Hall, underlining the pressing need for visible neighbourhood policing and hotspot interventions.
I’ve written to the Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner to ask that Lancaster be considered as part of Lancashire’s Op Centurion antisocial behaviour clampdown, along with making the case for Lancaster area police teams being given new PSCO allocations in this year’s recruitment of new officers.
Local government spending on youth services fell by 73% between 2010 and 2023, with more than 1,000 youth centres closing and over 4,500 youth worker roles lost.
In December, the Government produced the first National Youth Strategy in 15 years, with £500m investment to deliver up to 250 new or refurbished youth centres, 50 Young Futures Hubs, and new support for youth workers – and I’m asking that the Government prioritises areas in Lancaster.
UPDATE: Reply from the Minister for Sport, Tourism, Civil Society and Youth
