As we reported in our 2004 July and August issues, tensions between residents and young people in Abbeyfield Park have been causing concern. (See ‘Safe and quiet?’ and ‘Streets of Burngreave, safe and quiet?’)
The young people say they are frustrated that despite all the money in the area there’s still nothing for them to do in the Park, and that they get seen in a bad light. However, residents have still felt intimidated and upset by their behaviour and feel let down by the police.
In October, New Deal brought together agencies working with young people and residents and workers from Abbeyfield Park House. Many felt young people had been let down and the meeting agreed to try to make the Stables at the back of Abbeyfield House into a youth club, with workers from projects like the Green Environment Project and Sheffield Futures working together. Calls were made for young people to be more involved in deciding how money is spent while others were keen to avoid the use of anti-social behaviour contracts.
Alongside the action to improve the bowling green and tennis pitches (see page 17) a different approach to young people is being tried in Abbeyfield Park, but even small scale efforts take months, a temporary shelter promised in July has still not appeared and none of the plans are certain yet.