Events planned to combat antisocial behaviour

Events are being organised for underused green spaces in Wolverhampton, in an initiative aimed at reducing antisocial behaviour and bringing spaces back to life.

The project, led by the Wolves Foundation, will initially target four areas that have become associated with nuisance behaviour and low-level crime.

Cricket, football, art in the park, outdoor gyms and workshops will take place at Long Ley in Heath Town and Peace Park in Whitmore Reans this week, and at Weddell Wynd in Bilston and Tennyson Road soon.

The Your Spaces programme is in partnership with the Premier League Foundation and City of Wolverhampton Council, which said the locations had been chosen using crime and community data.

Tom Warren, Wolves Foundation General Manager, said: "Our open spaces should be places where young people feel safe, welcome and able to be themselves.

"Through this initiative, we're working alongside local community organisations to bring positive, visible activity into parks and green spaces that matter to local people.

"By using activities as a way to connect, we're helping communities reclaim these spaces and build a stronger sense of belonging."

Another aim of the project is to build a model that can then be replicated at more green spaces across the city.

Councillor Obaida Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: "We've had a fantastic response from more than 30 local community groups and organisations which want to play a role in helping deliver the Your Spaces initiative, and it's not too late for others to get involved."

If community groups are interested in being part of the programme, they can apply through the Wolves Foundation.

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