Every day of the summer holidays there is a range of activities for people to try, from MAD Thursday events in local parks, chill out sessions at the Dolphin Centre, street cheer, a trip to Bradford Film and TV Museum, football sessions and competitions, film editing courses and Harry Potter film screenings.
The events and activities are all part of the Youth Service’s drive to ensure there’s plenty for young people to do during the summer.
Details about these events are available on the Click website at www.clicktodo.co.uk which is a one stop shop for events and activities for young people in the Borough.
This is all part of the Darlington Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership’s (CDRP) Summer Nights campaign, aimed at addressing alcohol-related issues during the summer when incidents of anti-social behaviour can increase.
It is a joint action plan compiled by all of the CDRP agencies, which will see Darlington Council’s youth services, trading standards and Street Scene teams working with the police and health services, to tackle alcohol-related problems during the summer months.
Today Operation StaySafe is in action in the town, when police will make high visibility patrols in areas where young people are known to drink and behave anti-socially.
They will be speaking to any underage drinkers and confiscating alcohol where necessary.
By working together, the agencies involved hope to divert young people away from using alcohol by promoting the other activities available to them.
Bill Dixon, Darlington Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services and Community Safety, said: “The list of activities for young people to take part in this summer is incredible - there is so much to do. I hope as many young people as possible get involved, rather than drinking and causing a nuisance elsewhere in the Borough.”
Inspector Andrea Clayton from Darlington Police said: “Summer Nights isn’t about spoiling anyone’s fun, it’s about encouraging young people to take part in positive activities and reminding grown ups to drink responsibly. We want people to enjoy themselves, but we don’t want their enjoyment to cause misery to others.
“Anyone facing problems with anti-social behaviour, should get in touch so we can address those issues.”
Anyone experiencing problems with anti-social behaviour or who would like more information about the Summer Nights campaign, can contact:
• Anti-social behaviour team (01325) 346831
• Police (non-emergency) 0345 6060 365
• Fire Service (community safety) 0191 332 4222
• Youth Service (01325) 346431
• Street Scene (to report graffiti, fly tipping etc) (01325) 388777