Trowbridge Faces Youth Challenge Amid Increasing Anti-Social Behavior

Like Trowbridge, many British communities are facing an alarming increase in anti-social behaviour among their youth, alarming local residents and officials alike. For local business owner Michelle Witter, this is an all-too-frequent sight. She recently shared her concerns about the dearth of recreational opportunities for youth in the region. For Kowann O’Neill, 18, this is…

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Trowbridge Faces Youth Challenge Amid Increasing Anti-Social Behavior

Like Trowbridge, many British communities are facing an alarming increase in anti-social behaviour among their youth, alarming local residents and officials alike. For local business owner Michelle Witter, this is an all-too-frequent sight. She recently shared her concerns about the dearth of recreational opportunities for youth in the region. For Kowann O’Neill, 18, this is a common sight in his community. He argues that the increase in misconduct closely connects to an absence of constructive things to do for young people.

We hope that local authorities are paying attention. Jo Trigg, Wiltshire councilor and trustee for Trowbridge Future, an adventure playground charity. She argues that all the new programs and old ones need a lot more resources to make them effective. “More and more teens are going to a building to seek a safe space to hang out,” she stated, highlighting the growing demand for safe environments for youth. That’s why Trigg pushes for more technical assistance funding and community grants to help local leaders develop and execute these youth-driven initiatives.

On the enforcement side, police play a role as well. Mental health community support officer Mr. Brain takes to Trowbridge’s town center on foot. He’s actively meeting people who are intoxicated and getting them plugged in with services they need. It’s gotten a lot worse in the last year with the anti-social behavior. Recently, he reported, he saw a huge drop—perhaps a sign that all that advocacy to fix the problem is starting to bear fruit.

“There has been a few issues in the past with communication between the agencies and who’s responsible for what,” – Mr. Brain

Kowann O’Neill highlights the challenges faced by young people in Trowbridge, stating, “Lots of kids would rather go out, get drunk and do drugs because there’s not enough entertainment or any fun activities.” What concerns him most, he said, are the long-term effects of this behavior. He worries that such experiences will destroy the educational aspirations and ruin the economically productive lives of local young people.

Witter shares this concern, highlighting the disparity in access to recreational spaces for children. “Apart from the skate park, where is there for these children to go? So don’t be surprised when they’re hanging out outside The Shires making the place look a bit risky,” she remarked.

Against these odds, engaged local stakeholders have made laudable efforts to drive change in their communities. A venue on Mill Street opened last year with over £430,000 in National Lottery funding, aiming to provide a safe space for youth activities. Additionally, Trowbridge residents, businesses, and councillors recently met with the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) to discuss their concerns about crime in the town.

Finally, investment in infrastructure demonstrates the community’s desire to improve local facilities. A £9 million restoration of Trowbridge’s Victorian town hall was part of this endeavor to develop a more liveable, active, and welcoming environment.

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