NORWICH: Don't let yobs ruin city

Don't let yobs ruin city
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A major crackdown on anti-social behaviour and low-level crime around Norwich Castle is to be launched following reports that yobs are putting off visitors to the historic site because of their rude and rowdy behaviour.The castle is one of the city's most recognisable and treasured landmarks, but loutish youngsters in the gardens and surrounding areas are deterring visitors.

Barclay Todd, operations officer for the Norfolk Museums and Archaeology Service, said the castle gardens, and surrounding areas, were being used and abused by skateboarders, graffiti artists and vandals.“As always, some of them are quite acceptable young people, but there's a significant minority that are abusive and this is having an adverse effect on our business,” said Mr Todd.

Mr Todd, who was speaking at a meeting of the city centre Safer Neighbourhoods Action Panel (SNAP) held at the Friends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, said a number of youngsters verbally abused a group of Chinese pupils as they walked through the gardens after having visited the castle. “It's not acceptable, very embarrassing and is commented on by student group leaders,” he said.Mr Todd also said a lift which had been installed to enable disabled visitors to get into the castle more easily was a target for vandals.

PC Paul Young said: “Most of it is low level stuff but it can be intimidating to people. But now this is a Safer Neighbourhood priority we will be able to put some real time and resources in it.”The problems at the castle will be one of three priorities the city centre's newly formed Safer Neighbourhood team will attempt to bring under control over the next two months.The two other priorities voted for by the panel were cracking down on anti-social behaviour around Norwich market, including Gentleman's Walk and London Street, and in Chapelfield Gardens.As reported in the Evening News earlier this month, Norfolk Constabulary rolled out 19 teams across its central area following the launch of similar teams in the east and west of the county over the past few months.

As part of the initiative, which will see all police forces have Safer Neighbourhood Teams in place by April 2008, the police come together with partner agencies and members of the community to help identify and resolve issues.An update on progress made in the three priority areas will be given at the next city centre SNAP meeting which takes place at the Friends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, on Monday, October 1 at 7pm.

Are you battling anti-social behaviour where you live?

Call Evening News crime reporter Peter Walsh on 01603 772439 or email peter.walsh@archant.co.uk