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Neighbourhood Centre . |
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Community-minded
residents of a Blackfield estate have hit back at reports
suggesting that yobs have the upper hand.
Instead, residents of the Heather Road estate want to celebrate all the good
things being done in the local community.
They say that last week's reports of a bus ban on the estate after 3.30pm,
following the negative actions of a few young people, have exaggerated the
extent of the problem.
"Like every housing estate in the country, we have a few problems, and a few
young people who engage in antisocial behaviour," said Mary Potter, Chair
of
Blackfield Neighbourhood Centre Community Association (BNCCA). "But that's
only a small part of the story. There are many people working
hard to overcome these problems and to make the area into a thriving, active
and responsible community. There are many examples of wonderful work
being done by parents, volunteers, community workers and young people."
Residents say there's plenty to be positive about, including:
* A thriving community centre, the Blackfield Neighbourhood
Centre, which has been kept going over several years by volunteers, and which
offers
a wide range of learning and social activities.
It has grown to become
a
focus for the Community offering support and learning for everyone, where
many friendships have been forged and every visitor welcomed
* A regular youth club at the centre on Wednesday
evenings, supported by Forest Bus, parents and volunteers.
Past
successes have included a Pop Idol competition and social trips
for young people
* A popular Monday night craft club, where residents can come to chat
and socialise and engage in activities such as knitting, painting and sewing
* A newly opened Sure Start centre, offering support for
families with children under 4, promoting good family life, and offering
free classes in
parenting skills, first aid, and fun learning
* A UK Online centre, open every weekday, with free internet
access and computer use. Also offering Numeracy, Literacy, IT and many
fun courses
for the over 16s with crèche facilities for learners
* Community wide events such as an estate litter pick in
the summer, organised by residents and Swaythling Housing Society, in association
with
young people, Forest Bus, and Army volunteers
* A Forest Bus children's festival in the summer, with Black
Umfoloso and other music and fun activities
* A very popular annual OAP's Christmas luncheon
club and
a proposed regular luncheon club for the New Year
* Items donated regularly by local churches for a Dorcas
Basics Bank, where food is distributed via a voucher scheme to families in
need.
Roger Birt, the ABC/ABSO Co-ordinator for the area, said there were
currently no ABCs (Antisocial Behaviour Contract) or ASBOs (Antisocial
Behaviour Order) served on any young people from the Heather Road estate
and
families were working closely with local agencies to help solve any
problems.
"There are a small number of young people involved in antisocial
behaviour, but many agencies, including Hythe police, are working closely
with the children to help solve the problem and parents have been very
co-operative."
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