Scheme Tackles Anti-Social Antics

Community leaders in County Antrim are attempting to steer children away from anti-social behaviour by keeping them busy over the summer holidays. The council-backed initiative aims to keep young people off the street and out of trouble. The scheme is aimed at children living in the Newtownabbey, Carrickfergus and Larne areas. Organiser Elaine Manson said: “The scheme has been developed from good practice in Liverpool.” There, the Summer Splash scheme “engages thousands of young people over the summer months”, she said.

“This is a great scheme for many reasons. Young people have fun over the summer and at the same time it keeps them off the street and out of trouble. It also teaches them new skills and helps them develop socially.”

The event, aimed at 14-17 year olds, includes a ‘Jumpzone’ with bungy ropes and trampoline, a professional DJ trailer with karaoke and street art workshops. The Summer Splash 2006 is a pilot programme being run from 3-11 July by community safety partnerships in Newtownabbey, Larne and Carrickfergus.