A new campaign which aims to tackle anti-social behaviour in parks around the city has been launched at Bute Park.
The Respect Flyer has been devised by young people, park rangers and South Wales Police and looks to target the issues of youth annoyance and anti-social behaviour that takes place in city centre parks.
Street Based Youth Workers from Cardiff Youth Service have been working with groups of young people who meet and socialise in areas such as Coopers Field, City Hall Lawn, the Castle Moat and Victoria Gardens.
The team’s hands-on approach has included encouraging young people to consider the impact their behaviour has on other park users as well as the environmental effect that can damage plants and wildlife such as graffiti and littering.
Young people have responded positively by designing and producing a flyer with support from youth workers from the City Centre Youth Project Grassroots. It highlights problem issues and offers advice to other young people about respectful behaviour whilst using community areas.
The project is to now expand including the planning of volunteer events for young people to assist parks grounds men and park rangers with clearing areas of invasive plants and resurfacing paths during the spring and summer months.
The group also wish to design and produce some art work and seating made from fallen trees that can be displayed and used within the parks.
Executive Member Communities, Housing and Social Justice, Cllr Judith Woodman said: “Reducing anti-social behaviour in city centre parks and green spaces is a priority.
“This project will help improve the enjoyment of parks for other users and is a positive step forward in getting young people interested in the work that goes into maintaining these wonderful areas, encouraging them to have respect for their environment.”
For more information about the project or if you are a young person who would like to get involved please contact Steve McCambridge form the Street Based Youth Work Team on 07800851710 or call into Grassroots, 58 Charles Street Cardiff and speak to Chas.
