There have been some comments made recently on social media that Hardway RAG is anti-children and we are trying to stop young people in our community from using the area. Lets just take a moment to address that myth.
Young people and children who wish to enjoy the space are welcome........
Yobs and those intent on making this area impossible for other people to enjoy are not.
The antisocial behaviour this summer from 1 large group of youths has included:-
Foul and obscene language
Motorbikes/mopeds riding on footpaths and the green
Littering
Trespass
Damage to property
Intimidation
Verbal Abuse
Assault
Other issues in our community from persons unknown include:-
Drug related issues
Our community should not be expected to endure and tolerate this kind of behaviour, particularly when many of this group do not even reside locally. There are many children and young people that use this area and this community do not want to stop their enjoyment, this was demonstrated when the dispersal order was in place - the only ones stopped from using the area were those engaging in anti-social behaviour.
We could have named and shamed on social media but have instead tried to work with the authorities to find a long term solution to this problem as there has been a pattern in recent years where younger groups learn their future behaviour from those that go before them - we need to break this cycle and make Hardway Memorial green and surrounding areas a safe community space.
Those that come here specifically to engage in anti-social behaviour need to know that this will not be tolerated any longer by Hardway Residents and visitors to this area.