Problem Solving in Victory Park, Girvan - started June 2008

The problem

There were incidents of youth disorder and antisocial behaviour in the Rose Garden and sports pavilion areas of Victory Park, Girvan. The incidents included vandalism, abusive behaviour, graffiti, littering and underage drinking. This was happening because there was a ‘canvas’ for the graffiti to take place, it was a gathering place for young people between the shops and the school and therefore was attracting litter and at night it provided a place for young people to hide from Police in all directions because of the boarding in the shelter.

The aim

The aim of the group was to reduce youth disorder in the area and to improve the appearance of the Rose Garden shelter, the sports pavilion and their immediate vicinities.

Options to address the problem included:

• Deploying Community Safety Officers into the area for a mapping exercise.
• Police Action Plan for a wider area which incorporated Victory Park.
• Deploying Outside 4 Walls streetworkers into the area to engage with young people.
• Providing diversionary activities for young people.
• Environmental improvements to reduce the levels of antisocial behaviour.

Rose Gardens shelter (Before/After)