Would you class skateboarding as anti social behaviour.

InsideInsurance

Just go down Southbank and look at the Undercroft and you will see its more of a tourist trap than a nuisance (though the tourists are a nuisance if you are in a hurry and trying to get through)

As others have said, it really depends on the area, what there is to protect pedestrians from accidents, if there are residential properties near by (particularly for the night skating), if its just him and his 5 mates or if others are using it etc.

The fact the police arent doing anything doesnt automatically mean its fine/ legal etc but arguably they are just using common sense. There were pavements where I used to live which both skaters and BMXs used to do stunts on. Certainly the BMXs were acting illegally cycling on the pavement but they were out of harms way etc and the old bill just got involved if they started straying too close to the road or saw spray paints (not that the police were around that much)

hazyjo

libra10 wrote: »

There is an area just at the bottom of our local pier where youngsters can display their skills on skateboards and bikes.

They are brilliant to watch and often have an appreciative audience.

There should be more areas for children/teens to 'let off some steam' in this way, and the jobsworths should 'get on their bikes'.

It might be worth speaking to local police or writing a letter in the local paper.

Hope that they are allowed to continue with their hobby.

See... that sounds lovely! And I've stood and watched loads on the Southbank before... It's that time and place thing again. Maybe they should campaign for a public area that can be watched, appreciated and applauded. When they hide these skateboard parks away, of course they are just gonna attract trouble. I don't blame them for not wanting to go there.

hazyjo

btw, mentioned Southbank at the same time


Jx

Person_one

It depends.

Its definitely anti-social when its right under my bedroom window and I'm on night shifts! I'm wondering if there are in fact people living above those shops who've complained. Its surprisingly noisy and disruptive when you're in a quiet home and its close by.

I think I'd be tempted to focus on the fact that the skate park which is supposed to be there for this exact purpose, is being misused and the children don't feel safe there. Why not start a Facebook campaign or speak to the local press and try to claim it back for its proper use and then everybody's happy!

browneyedbazzi

I don't think it is ASB provided that it isn't causing a nuisance to anyone or putting anyone at risk.

I'd be very tempted to send a FOI request to the council asking how many complaints they have received about skateboarding in the area. If the answer is none or very few, then I'd suggest complaining about the unnecessary and unjustified actions of the wardens - CCing in your local councillor, MP and paper along with the results of the FOI request.

candjsmum

THanks for all your comments and suggestions. AS far as we are aware, there are no flats anywhere in the area. I have tried to find an image to show you but cant find one online.

BY the way, Southbank is on his list to go the next time we are in London.

Kaye1

Perhaps email your local policeman- we have a name and email for the one who keeps an eye on our village- and ask if there is actually a problem.
Word it very nicely- more of a request than a complaint- and they are usually very helpful. (In my experience anyway.)
Sounds like they are assuming the skateboards will cause trouble.

bagpussbear

I find it sad that the council have spent presumably thousands on a skate park that kids are scared of using because of the drug addicts etc. This needs to be addressed.

In my opinion, it would be worthwhile to take this up with the Police and the council to get this skate park sorted out for the better. Then all the kids can go there which will be more fun for them, they can make all the noise they want, and not be harrassed by wardens. That surely would be a win win situation.

Jagraf

If it is fenced off, who is allowed to be in there? Is it a right of way for pedestrians? If not, are they actually allowed in there? Hat if one of them knocked over an old lady, could they or you be sued?

peachyprice

candjsmum wrote: »

THanks for all your comments and suggestions. AS far as we are aware, there are no flats anywhere in the area. I have tried to find an image to show you but cant find one online.

BY the way, Southbank is on his list to go the next time we are in London.

Is the area not on google earth?

It's hard to form an unbiased opinion without seeing the location, too many people will relate it to their own surroundings, but if it's exactly as you say, near no accommodation and not in the middle of a thoroughfare I don't see the problem at all.

Perhaps your son and his friends could get the police on-side to talk to the jobsworths?