A SHED is set to be installed near a cricket club in a bid to tackle increasing rates of anti-social behaviour in Rhos-on-Sea – but members are not pleased.
Cllr Chris Brockley’s application to Conwy Council for a portacabin near a popular park was backed by councillors at a planning committee meeting at Bodlondeb last week.
The portacabin will now occupy the piece of land used as an overspill car park by Colwyn Bay Cricket Club off Penrhyn Avenue.
With the cricket club to the west of the site, Rhos on Sea Bowling Club lies to the north east and a playground to the south east, as well as tennis and basketball courts close by.
The area has been blighted by anti-social behaviour for a “considerable length of time”, and North Wales Police confirmed the situation has worsened with a cohort of young people moving from town to town.
Anti-social protection orders and dispersal orders have been ineffective, and issues have escalated from minor problems like vandalism to arson, theft, and hate-related assault.
A meeting was held in June with the community who felt some youth provision was needed in the area, citing the ‘Youth Shedz’ model.
Creating Enterprise will now facilitate the work over the initial 12-month stage to enable a group to become established.
Conwy own the land and cabinet members have verbally agreed in principle to allow the project to use the area, initially for 12 months subject to legal confirmation.
But members of the bowling and cricket club objected to the plans.
Speaking against the project on behalf of the two clubs, Mr Wyn Evans said: “It (the overspill car park) is very much used regularly by the attendees of the cricket and bowling clubs for vehicle parking.
Yes, like all car parks, there are times when it is empty, but it is at busy times when it shows its worth.
“If this application is approved, it will attract up to 30 people, plus seven supervisors, to the portacabin.
This crowding, in addition to bowls and cricket events, plus the loss of car parking to the plot itself, will cause traffic congestion and danger on the already busy Penrhyn Avenue.”
Mr Evans also objected to anti-vandalism shutters proposed for the portacabin, complaining it would change the character of the area.
But speaking in favour of the application, Cllr Brockley said many bowling club members were also cricket club members who didn’t want to upset each other by backing the plans.
Cllr Brockley also claimed the cricket club’s executive committee members said they would be too busy to meet with councillors to discuss the idea.
Cllr Dave Jones proposed councillors backed the cabin and added: “Anti-social behaviour is caused by boredom.
“I’ve witnessed the work of children and young people in other portacabins.
“The transformations they’ve made of these portacabins has been amazing and with the help of Youth Shedz.
“This keeps children and young people off the streets, away from being drawn into anti-social behaviour.
“This allows Youth Shedz to support children and young people in their development. It gives children and young people a sense of achievement, which is good for overall health and well-being.”
Cllr Andrew Wood seconded the proposal, adding: “We’ve done the same in Abergele. It’s proved an excellent success.”
Cllr Kay Redhead said: “I think it’s a classic case of not in my backyard. I think, working alongside the youth workers and police, this would improve the area.”
Councillors backed the plans.
The grant-funded scheme will be a continuation of the existing temporary mobile provision already provided by Youth Shedz, which sees young people being involved with how projects operate, in terms of decorating the interior and deciding on furniture and equipment needed.
A small outdoor area will be used for growing and gardening.
Suggested activities include bike maintenance and safety, litter picks, crafting activities, football in the other park area with food provided by a local takeaway.
