Making youths a priority

6:13pm Tuesday 26th August 2008

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The issue of young people hanging around on street corners has been listed as a priority concern by community groups in North Oxfordshire.

All 13 Neighbourhood Action Groups (NAGs) in the Cherwell district raised the subject as a worry.

Cherwell district councillors have now taken up the mantle and plan to investigate whether young people are being antisocial - or whether it is simply people's perception that they are up to no good.

Task group chairman, councillor Victoria Irvine, hopes the cross-party group will be able to restore confidence in young people across the district.

She said: "Every Nag across Cherwell believes young people hanging round on street corners leads to antisocial behaviour.

"What the task group wants to know is if this perception is justified. Are the groups causing trouble or are they simply minding their own business in a public place?

"We also hope to find out what motivates young people to hang around on street corners.

"If it is because there's nowhere else for them to go, then the council must look at what kind of facilities could be provided.

"Cherwell is a very safe place to live, but people don't always believe this.

"If we do find out there is an antisocial behaviour problem then we can look at ways to address it."

To share your views, and contribute to the survey, contact Ms Irvine at overview&scrutiny@cherwell- dc.gov.uk or write to Alexa Coates, Legal and Democratic Services, Bodicote House, Bodicote, Banbury, OX15 4AA.