Keeping safe for the summer

A summer holiday project to give youngsters positive things to do and tackle anti-social behaviour is launched on Saturday 25 May.

Safe4Summer is a Greater Manchester campaign involving the police, fire service and councils designed to offer young people the chance to experience a whole host of fun and exciting activities in their local area.

In Bury, Safe4Summer will start in Kay Gardens on Saturday 25 May. Between 1pm and 4pm, young people can have a go at tackling a 14-metre climbing wall, and Tower FM will be on site providing music and entertainment.

Youth service and community safety staff will be there with details of all the events taking place over summer, including the chance to win an ipad2 on the Safe4Summer website.

The Fire Service are putting on caged football sessions in Clarence Park over the May half term and then starting on 7 June and 8 June there will be activities in Whitehead Park every Friday and Manchester Road Park every Saturday between 6pm and 8pm supported by the Active Bury Communities Group.

Later in the summer the fire service and youth service will be hosting water safety events in Burrs Country Park.  For full details, visit http://www.safe4summer.com/

There is also a serious side to Safe4Summer, and the police will be increasing patrols in hotspot areas to tackle under-age drinking and nuisance behaviour. Culprits and their parents will be asked to attend Bury Police Station, where they will be warned about the effects that drugs and alcohol can have on their lives, and the consequences of not changing their ways. Early Break, which provides support and advice to young people around drugs and alcohol, will also be on hand to address any concerns of the young people and their parents.

Councillor Sandra Walmsley, cabinet member for community development, said: “During the long summer break, there are times when something that may appear to be a bit of harmless fun can be seen differently by other people and could have serious consequences if it gets out of hand. As well as encouraging people to get involved in local interests and events, Safe4Summer offers advice about personal safety and encourages people to take responsibility for their actions.

““Through Safe4Summer we aim to show young people how many great opportunities there are to have fun in and around Bury this summer. At the same time, the small minority of youngsters who choose to spend their time causing nuisance to others will face the consequences of their actions.”

ENDS

Press release issued: 13 May 2013.