WARRINGTON’S annual VPX event at Victoria Park continues to go from strength to strength, with a record breaking 1,650 youngsters visiting yesterday’s event.
With Cheshire Police encouraging young people to stay safe by taking part in a whole host of community events and activities, Police & Crime Commissioner David Keane, got to experience some of those activities for himself, when he visited the event.
He said: “It’s great to see some of the work that is taking place this summer to tackle antisocial behaviour and help keep young people safe.
“The dedication shown by the PCSOs and officers involved in VPX is outstanding, and I would like to congratulate them on the success that they have achieved so far, and I hope this success continues long into the future.
“Engaging with young people is a vital part of the work that PCSOs and officers undertake, and by encouraging young people to participate in some of the activities such as VPX, we can make a real difference to local communities.”
Young people who attend VPX are able to take part in a wide range of activities including Football, Zorbing, Archery, face painting, crafts music workshops and much more.
The events are free to attend and open to children of all ages, they take place every Tuesday throughout August in Victoria Park, Warrington, from 11.00am to 4.00pm.
Event organiser PCSO Tony Spruce said: “VPX is now in its ninth year and since its inception it has gone from strength to strength. Each event is regularly attended by over 1,000 young people from across Warrington, and provides them with the opportunity to take part in a wide range of sports and activities, many of which they have never tried before.
“I’m proud of the work that we have done and I would like to thank all of our sponsors for the support that they have shown.
“Over the past nine years we have engaged with more than 30,000 young people from across the borough, helping to reduce reports of anti-social behaviour and preventing young people from engaging in criminal activities.”
VPX, also known as the Victoria Park Xperience, is an annual event that was initially set up by Warrington PCSO Tony Spruce and Tom Reid back in 2007.
The events are sponsored by a number of local organisations and charities, including Warrington Live Wire, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, the Warrington Wolves foundation, Warrington Town FC, Decathlon, Active Cheshire and Warrington South Area Board, along with a number of other local businesses.
As well as praise from the Police and Crime Commissioner, VPX has also attracted a number of enthusiastic reviews from local residents on the events Facebook page.
Julie Bullock said: “Wow, wow and another wow. Outside of the cost of getting there you really don’t need to spend a penny, such friendly, helpful and cheery volunteers made for an amazing day for six children. Massive thanks to everyone involved, you really have done something incredible!”
Whilst Donna Louise-Adamson messaged: “Fantastic time had something for all three of my children (7, 4 and 2). Everyone had a great time the rain didn’t spoil our fun. Thank you so much to all the organisers & helpers for organising such a fun event – see you next week.”
To find out more about VPX, which takes place each Tuesday in August from 11am-4pm visit www.facebook.com/public/VPX-Warrington
David Keane joins in the fun at VPX
