A new hangout for young people to hang out and socialise in Dodworth has been erected thanks to Darton and Dodworth Safer Neighbourhood Team, BMBC and the area’s Crime and Safety Group.

 A youth shelter has been put up on the grassed area behind Dodworth Library, High Street, Dodworth after young people told police it would stop them from using bus stops and benches in the vicinity as places to socialise.

 The SNT has had numerous reports from local residents who felt intimidated by the large groups of youngsters who were congregating to socialise and it was highlighted as an issue of concern at a recent Crime and Safety Group (CSG) meeting. CSG requested that such a shelter be placed in the area to accommodate the youngsters request and BMBC agreed to organise it.

 On Friday 29 January, Darton and Dodworth SNT helped place a temporary shelter under the pledge that if it was successfully used by young people, it would later be replaced by BMBC as a permanent fixture.

 Darton and Dodworth PC Andrea Batty said, “The youngsters just wanted somewhere to socialise with each other. We listened to their views and together, with our partners, we have been able to offer them somewhere safe to spend their time. We have already had great feedback from the kids who have said they’re really grateful for the shelter. They have even suggested that we make it safer by adding lighting which is something we are happily looking into.