Many residents will recall that about a year ago the village experienced several instances of young people behaving in ways that upset others.
At the time, the Parish Council put measures in hand to support residents. The Police attended some incidents. Where we believed specific individuals were involved, we wrote to parents.
Just recently, there has been another rash of incidents involving young people trespassing, using abusive language, daubing graffiti and causing damage.
We have identified some of the young people and will be writing to their parents. Certain activities have risked endangering those involved, so the Police have been informed.
These are frustrating and challenging times for everyone!
Parents – please be aware of the risks and provide advice and mentoring for your young people. We were all young once, and we had to learn about behaviours and recognise boundaries. Most youthful adventures are perfectly reasonable and simply part of growing up; but where others become involved and there is damage to property, a line is crossed.
In these times, we all feel more anxious than usual, perhaps a little less tolerant of each other. Sometimes, frustrated residents mention things on social media, but for obvious reasons the Parish Council can only actively consider the reports it receives direct.
If you feel troubled by an incident, and you gauge that it is serious and could lead to injury or damage, please report it at once to the Police, using the non-emergency number 101.
Of course, if the activity warrants an emergency response, then dial 999. But please do not use that number unless you are certain that a crime is being committed or there is danger to life.
No one wishes to suffer the consequences of a serious issue in our neighbourhood. We would all rather that the village looks after its own; and that we can avoid calling in outside authorities.
We welcome your input into how we can work together to ensure that we find a good balance for the whole community. We are fortunate to have a wide range of activities being led in our community, but new ideas are valued. We would like to hear of strategies for managing better behaviours for young people, either in the home or out and about.
Please look out for the young people in our community.
Do contact the Parish Clerk on 01621 869039 or email tollesburypc@btinternet.com if you have suggestions or would like to discuss any matters raised by this feature.
Tollesbury Parish Council
