Police continue crime crack down (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Police continue crime crack down

8:56am Friday 8th August 2003

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Outbreaks of minor anti-social behaviour and petty crime in the “quietest” ward in Ulverston have been improved through agencies working together.

Pennington Parish Council became so concerned about the anti-social behaviour, underage drinking and criminal damage in the quiet village of Swarthmoor that a public meeting was called last month.

Parish councillor and South Lakeland district councillor for Low Furness and Swarthmoor David Foot said large groups of youths congregating in the village had been intimidating elderly residents and that damage had been caused to property.

South Lakeland District Council, Cumbria County Council, Ulverston police and Swarthmoor Youth Group were consulted on ideas of how to diffuse the situation.

Coun Foot said through the agencies working together the amount of crime in the village had dropped dramatically.

Inspector Dave Spedding, at Ulverston police, said in response to the concerns patrols had been stepped up in the area.

“Statistically Swarthmoor is the quietest ward in the area. Since the public meeting not one person has reported any incidents in Swarthmoor to Ulverston police,” he said.

Coun Foot said the main problem in the village was youngsters being “bored” because of a lack of facilities for them.

More than £17,000 has been raised in the village to resurface an area on Park Road and install seating.

“We would like to build a skate park in the village but we are having problems finding a suitable location. We have spoken to youngsters in the village supporting the scheme and told them they have to do their bit by behaving,” said Coun Foot.

Anyone experiencing problems with crime in Swarthmoor can contact Ulverston police on 01229-824532.

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