Design-out crime

This problem has been going on for years.

Even recently the harassment has been continuing, with little response from the police.

However, this problem is nationwide, and is not perhaps easily addressed.

The fact little thought was given by the planners as to where young people would go in the evenings, when these estates were in their stages of conception, shows some element of neglect by the older generation.

Furthermore, why are parents not brought to book for failing to bring their children up in a more responsible manner.

Also, why did the police not take a more proactive role with other available agencies years ago, and nip the problem in the bud?

We used to have a Spar shop, which was open all hours, where the Gurkhas’ restaurant is now.

This shop served the whole community, but the owner shut it because of the ongoing terror served to his customers by the then-teenagers marauding outside his premises.

Women and children were subjected to verbal abuse, deterring his late trade to the point where, I imagine, the business may have become unsustainable.

While this sort of behaviour, and its outcome, cannot be allowed to continue, some objective steps must be taken to provide constructive outlets for these teenagers.

One of the first objections to be raised will be cost. But what was the cost of the shop going out of business, or of providing the necessary policing? And what of the cost to the community when this sort of behaviour is allowed to continue? Some kind of facility is needed and there is plenty of space for an additional building, near the Burwell Hall, which is adjacent to a large playing field.

Lottery funding may be one avenue of approach. But, the lack of forethought by the planners has led to this problem.

Perhaps in the future a condition of any further development in Witney should be the building of a youth facility, to give youngsters an outlet for their energies and frustrations.

Steve Plant

Thorney Leys

Witney