Fencing has been put up to counter anti-social behaviour at bus shelters in Chesterfield town centre.
Derbyshire Police funded the work on behalf of the Chesterfield Community Safety Partnership. Alcoves in walls next to bus stops in Beetwell Street were blocked off, near the back of the Pavements shopping centre. The authorities report bus passengers were feeling intimidated by youths gathering by the bus stops. The scheme was trialled until Friday, April 5. If it’s worked permanent fencing, and possibly CCTV, will be considered as a longer term option. Councillor Sharon Blank, chair of the Chesterfield Community Safety Partnership, said: “Young people have been congregating in this area because there is warm air coming from the Tesco store’s air conditioning unit and the bus shelters provide shelter from the rain or other bad weather. While many young people meeting up at the bus shelters are just hanging out with their friends there have been a number of recorded incidents of anti social behaviour including under age drinking taking place. The police are also carrying out patrols in the area to deter anyone from carrying out anti-social behaviour.”
Inspector Steve Ball, who is in charge of policing in Chesterfield, said: “We have been targeting concerns from members of the community through regular patrols and action has been taken as appropriate against a few individuals. The fences have been installed for a trial period, with the support of Chesterfield Community Safety Partnership, to prevent groups from gathering in this area and to see if this action could be a longer term solution to the issue. By installing fencing to block off the alcoves we want to see whether it is possible to encourage the young people to seek more appropriate places to gather.”
Youth workers from Derbyshire County Council visit the site and will encourage young people to visit their Creative Arts Studio and other informal drop-in centres in the area.
