STEPS are being taken to tackle the recent spate of anti-social behaviour, says Keynsham Town Council.
It said it wanted to assure residents, businesses and visitors that it is working closely with community organisations and individuals to try and resolve the issue.
Town clerk Dawn Drury said: “We’re taking the recent increase of anti-social behaviour in Keynsham very seriously.
“We want to better understand the root cause of the behaviour in order to implement effective and long-lasting change – for the community, for the businesses and, importantly, for the young people affected.”
As part of a joint commitment between the town council and Bath and North East Somerset Council, it has been agreed that ‘Street Doctors’ (junior doctors) will provide training to the town clerk and youth staff, as well as sessions at the TimeOut Centre for the young people.
This training aims to give young people first-aid skills to keep themselves and their friends safer, whilst also discussing related issues, rather than giving them a direct ‘just don’t carry a knife’ message, which doesn’t work for many of those that the team are working with.
Avon Fire and Rescue’s fire safety intervention scheme will work with young people who have been misusing fire in their homes, communities or schools. This is to address the numerous fires started by young people at the derelict former Treetops care home in St Clements Road.
The town clerk, or a representative of the town council’s youth service, will attend the monthly Avon and Somerset Police anti-social behaviour meetings to share intelligence-gathering.
The town clerk will also attend a meeting with the department within B&NES Council that deals with missing children, to better understand how its arrangements work.
Meanwhile, as reported in last month’s Voice, local police aim to make more regular foot patrols across the town.
The town council advises residents and business owners to report any concerns about anti-social behaviour in Keynsham by calling 101, or 999 immediately if it involves violence or causes a danger to people or property.
Keynsham Town Council acts over anti-social behaviour
