03/01/13 Damage on Ahbourne Rec - Cockayne Ave, AshbourneBandstand and play equipment damaged - GVsDamage to the Bandstand, Kids Play area and security fencing dumped in brookANTISOCIAL behaviour has been highlighted as one of the main problems police are set to tackle in Ashbourne town centre.
Vandalism and anti-soscial behaviour have increased in the town centre, with officers highlighting the paved area of Cooper’s Mill, outside Sainsbury’s as a favourite place for youngsters to congregate.
Police have recorded an increase in anti-social behaviour at the supermarket sinc the closure of the skate park next to Ashbourne Leisure Centre.
At a meeting of Ashbourne Safer Neighbourhood Team, officers discussed strategies to curb anti-social behaviour outside the store.
Police are now increasing patrols, sending letters to parents and working with Sainsbury’s staff issuing bans to certain youngsters.
The skate park was closed last year after an on-going problem with vandalism.
Derbyshire Dales District Council manages the skate park and had to close the facility, although the authority is offering to match-fund any monies raised by youth organisations to re-open the skate park.
A spokesman for Derbyshire Dales District Council, said: “We don’t have any more funds to keep repairing the damage that is being done there.”
The district council is applying for funding to help tackle a scheme of improvements at Ashbourne Leisure Centre, as well as at Ashbourne Park, where a spate of vandalism has also been reported in recent months.
