A councillor has expressed his deepest concerns over recent reports of anti-social behaviour at The Daten Sports and Social Club in Culcheth.
Cllr. Johnson has received feedback from members of the club and nearby residents regarding acts of vandalism and criminal damage by anti-social youths. The Daten’s property has been damaged and there has been a notable uplift in the number of incidents over recent weeks.
Cllr Johnson said: “I am keen to work positively and pro-actively to address all issues of anti-social behaviour in Culcheth, Glazebury and Croft.
“However, I was particularly concerned to learn what has been happening recently at The Daten. This popular venue in our village is well-used and loved by the community. To hear that a mindless minority is damaging the building is very sad news.
“The increase in these incidents seems to have coincided with the use of The Daten by the Warrington Youth Zone ‘satellite’ service, which is funded at great expense by the Parish Council. We need a proper assessment of whether these two things are connected and then a real conversation about whether the ‘satellite’ service is being hosted in an appropriate location. We must all come together to stamp out anti-social behaviour while ensuring that we offer good quality provision for young people who contribute to our community.”
In response to the concerns, a spokesperson from Warrington Youth Zone said: “Warrington Youth Zone is running a satellite Youth Club at the Datan Sports and Social Club for Juniors aged 7 – 12 on Tuesdays between 5 pm and 8 pm, and for seniors, young people aged 12 – 17 on Fridays between 5 pm and 8 pm. We provide a range of activities to divert young people from less positive behaviour on those evenings. The incident highlighted happened on a night on which we are not running the provision for young people. We continue to work with young people to challenge problematic behaviour and encourage them to understand the implications such behaviour can have for members of the wider community.”
A spokesperson for Cheshire Police added: “Over recent weeks, we have been made aware of a small number of incidents relating to minor ASB at the Daten Club in Culcheth. Officers are working with the Youth Club to address the concerns raised.”
