Page 26 - link magazine

26 The Link Magazine • 1999
Top drummer to Youth attacks on teenagers
rock a masterciass Incidents of teenagers demanding money with menaces from other young people have been causing
Steve White, below, one of the top increasing concern to West Swindon parents. And a youth centre has had to close because of threats of
drummers on the rock scene with violence. It is thought that much of the behaviour and crime is drink or drugs related.
the Paul Weller Band, demon- A small but identifiable group of young people, A related problem of organised thieving, largely of
strates his talents in a drum clinic both male and female, have been creating a culture of drink, from Asda is also being addressed by the
at Greendown School on Sunday intimidation. The activities mainly take place around management.
11 July, 2pm. the Link Centre where overgrown trees and bushes Area policewoman WPC Pat Jones said the police
A limited number of tickets at provide cover, but The Link has had reports of attacks are investigating reports of intimidation and theft.
£10 for the two hour masterclass and thefts in Freshbrook and Westlea. "We want to ensure that people can move around the
can be booked through Paul There have been complaints about young people community safely without fear. Weknowthenumber
Ashman on 702948. hanging around the Link Centre for many years, but of people behaving in this unacceptable way is small
itseemsthatagrowingdependenceondrugsamongst and we are trying to prevent further incidents by
a few is reducing levels of responsibility and willing- maintaining a higher profile."
ness to discuss their problems with workers from Because young people do not want to be identified
support agencies or Link Centre security staff. as victims, it is difficult to report the issue with facts
The Link Youth Unit has had to close because of and clear information.
unacceptable behaviour and intimidation towards If you have been subject to harassment, or you are
other young users and staff. It will not reopen until a parent whose son or daughter has been attacked,
adequate security can be arranged. and are willing to talk about it in confidence, please
Toothill councillor Peter Mallinson is adamant contact The Link on 872282.
that the situation cannot be allowed to continue. Swindon police would also like to know on 528111.
"This bad behaviour by a group of youths will not be
Bike thefts at Link Centre
tolerated. Stern action is being taken." Another wave of cycle thefts around the West Swin-
He is pressing the council to cut back undergrowth.
don Centre appears to be taking place. Jan Halstead
from Common Platt contacted The Link to say her son
Russian classic and two friends had their bikes stolen outside the
Link Centre in early June, a haul totalling about £700.
West Swindon based Junction 16 Theatre Group will be performing Anton Chekhov's She recommends bike owners use two locks to
classic drama of Russian country life Uncle Vanya. Performances of the bittersweet deter the professionals who seem to be in the area.
comedy of lost opportunities and unrequited love take place in the Drama Studio at
Greendown School, Grange Park on 8 and 9 July at 7.30pm. Correction
Junction 16 is taking up the challenge of Uncle Vanya after a successful staging of Ibsen's In the June Link we implied that local election candi-
difficult work A Doll's House last year. date Peter Mallinson had made claims about the
Tickets, at £4 or £3 concessions, which include a glass of wine are available in advance provision of barriers on a footpath at Luddesdown
from Sarah-Kate Bridgewater on 481956 or on the door. Road, Toothill. He was not involved in the issue.

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