Anti Social Behaviour Challenge Running A ''Dream''

Young people will be able to have the ‘dream’ summer thanks to the latest project from the Dewsbury and Mirfield Anti Social Behaviour Challenge.

Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing (KNH) has teamed up with Kirklees Council to organise a ‘dream scheme’ project in Dewsbury Moor.

The project is one of a number of dream schemes that KNH has developed across Kirklees to encourage young people to get involved in carrying out projects within their estates to make the place look better.

In return for their good work, those involved are provided with vouchers.

“It is very important to remember throughout this project, and indeed in general, that although some people have negative ideas about young people, the truth is often very different.

“Projects like this show that, actually, most young people are not what the stereotype makes them out to be and are keen to get involved in community activities. This project also gives young people an idea about activities they may not have taken part in before and gives them recognition for their good work.

“They are taught some basic skills and are encouraged to get involved in an activity with their friends. In Dewsbury Moor last week, young people helped pick up and remove rubbish from resident’s gardens with their permission which was very popular.

"The Community Rangers, Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing staff and a Caretaker split the young people in to groups and targeted different parts of the estate.

“The group finished off filling evaluation forms while being fed hot dogs and a cake as a treat for their hard work. Further ''dream scheme'' work is planned for the Chickenley area on Friday 14 August where young people will be helping to repair fences.”

Issues of antisocial behaviour are also being tackled head on by Police and partners. There have been 22 arrests over the last week and 20 stop searches undertaken in known hotspot areas.

Six vehicles have been seized and 23 fixed penalty notices have been handed out for traffic related offences. Nine notices were also issued to have vehicles taken off the road.

Officers undertook two search warrants throughout the week. In particular, Police executed a raid at an address on School Lane in Dewsbury Moor. A quantity of suspected cannabis was recovered along with bags, a mobile phone and weighing scales. An 18 year old man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply cannabis and has been bailed pending further enquiries.

Kirklees Sergeant Neil Willan said it was a partnership approach:

“Both Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing and the Community Rangers had helped to provide information which resulted in this warrant being undertaken. By engaging with the public we are able to make a difference to people’s neighbourhoods and I would encourage anyone with information about drug dealing in their area to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

As part of the reassurance and safety aspect to the Antisocial Behaviour Challenge, officers have also utilised search arches at Dewsbury Train Station.

On Monday and Tuesday Police worked alongside British Transport Police and Immigration and Revenue Protection officers to check people passing through.

Over six hundred passengers went through the arches with eight people stopped searched following its activation.

Two people were arrested as a result, a 20 year old man for having a concealed weapon, and a 24 year old man over immigration issues.

Kirklees Sergeant Neil Willan added:

“This operation was well received and a number of commuter passed comments in support to the checks. Although, we do not have a significant problem in Kirklees or West Yorkshire, I think the search arches at the station helped people to feel safe.”