Roadshow to tackle behaviour

Council bosses are to use a roadshow in to remind mums and dads that by knowing their children's whereabouts they could help tackle anti-social behaviour.

Parents in Burntwood are the target of an information day on November 30 as part of the "Where Is Your Child Tonight" campaign, which has been organised by Staffordshire County Council's Youth Service. Staffordshire Youth Service and a range of other agencies are working closely with young people in a group called "Burntwood Init."

The group's latest aim is to show parents how effective it can be just knowing where their children are in the evenings and who they are with.

The roadshow will be taking place outside the Morrisons store in Burntwood at 10am until 7pm.

As well as an information stand advising parents on the importance of being aware of their child's whereabouts, the roadshow will feature an interactive youth bus, flyers, posters, banners, beer mats and fridge magnets to spread the word.

Councillor Eric Drinkwater, cabinet support member with responsibility for the youth service, explained: "Last year a partnership project led by the county council asked young people what leisure activities they'd like to see in the town and what, in their view, could help to reduce anti-social behaviour."

"A large number highlighted the need for involving parents and carers and felt it might make a difference if their parents checked where they were going."

The Burntwood Init group features representatives from Staffordshire Youth Service and Staffordshire Youth Offending Service, police, health agencies, the fire service and Beacon Community Church in High Street, Chasetown.

The group has already enjoyed some success.

Councillor Drinkwater added: "Police in Burntwood are convinced that the work of the group has already reduced instances of anti-social behaviour by young people by a third.

"Consultation with young people, dance and live music events, a mobile non-alcoholic drinks trolley and a football competition have all engaged young people and we hope parents will heed the advice so we can all work together to stamp out anti-social behaviour," he said.