by James Fisher
IT’S not just in Highley that youngsters tend to get a bad press — it’s the country as a whole. Some may feel it’s justified and some may not, but one thing that is for certain is there are many positive stories which deserve to be highlighted just as much as the negative ones.
And while many people seem to just pass comment on the bad aspects of “youths”, others are working pro-actively to actually try and solve the problems.
So when a panel of people set up specifically to look at issues in their area come up with an idea that is practical, well received by all parties and extremely easy to put in place, it’s worth a closer look.
This is exactly what has been happening with Highley’s PACT panel, which has set up extended opening hours at Kath’s Cafe specifically for young people in the village between the ages of 12 and 17.
The project has already benefited the area as a whole and to make matters even better, the people on Highley are getting on board, with more and more offering help and support each week to drive the project forward.
The idea was the brainchild of PACT member, Highley resident and co-founder of Highley Rugby Club, Dave Morris.
“I saw the idea work in Northern Ireland when I was in the police there,” he explained. “I helped to set it up in the area I was from — the kids loved a warm place to go and chat, out of the cold. They had a safe place to go instead of out on the streets at night. I remembered it from my childhood, so I started the same thing in my area of work.”
PC Ann O’Leary said the cafe was already seen as a safe, secure and warm environment for the young people to hang out. “Like most of the best ideas it’s nothing complicated. Kath has always run a cafe there, but now it’s also opened in the evenings,” she said.
“We approached Kath and she was more than happy for the kids to come in off the streets. Whatever the kids want from the cafe they can tell us and of course it’s a good way for the police to meet them.
“It’s been running now for a few weeks and hopefully it will be a long term thing — if it’s successful we could possibly open it up for nights other than Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 5-9pm, and maybe for other ages groups as well.”
West Mercia Police have so far contributed £500 towards the project.
The scheme is also looking to encourage the youngsters to help out with litter picks around the village, or to take part in car washes so they can raise money for themselves — which can then be put towards going on trips.
It is made clear from day one that any anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated, but having seen the young people in the cafe myself, it seems clear that will not be a problem.
“The kids had nowhere to congregate, but hopefully this will be a place where they really want to go,” said Highley CSO Paul Smeilus. “The police in Highley have always had close links with the kids and we just approached them and asked them what they wanted, and a place to meet up was a priority for them — so throughout we have worked closely with the young people of Highley.”
The scheme also places a huge emphasis on partnership and the community working together, with youngsters, the police, the PACT panel, the parish council and the community as a whole all focusing on the same goal.
But what about the lady who, along with Highley resident Karen, has given up her free time to help get the project off the ground?
“The first night was brilliant with no problems whatsoever — it was really nice and quiet, even though 16 kids turned up,” said Kath, who has run Kath’s Cafe in Highley High Street for seven years.
“I was approached by CSO Shelly Hyde and I said yes straight away. People think I’m mad, but I’ve always thought about it — and I’m part of the community aren’t I?
“I’m really enjoying it and I’m surprised how well it has gone — the kids have even helped with the vacuuming and the washing up at the end of the night. So long as I can afford to pay the electricity for the lights I’m happy, that’s all that matters.
“We’re also thinking of setting up flower arranging sessions for the girls. Parents have been offering a lot of support and the kids want it to carry on as well.”
Ask the young people at Kath’s Cafe what they think of it, and they all shout in unison: “It’s great,” with others adding, “and it keeps us off the streets”.
Another member of the Highley PACT panel who is very enthusiastic about the whole scheme is Tony Perry, a tenancy enforcement officer with Bridgnorth District Council.
“It was clear to the group there was a need for an area or place for the young people in Highley — mainly the three streets comprising of Orchard Street, Bark Street and Coronation street, which would be available for the area as a whole,” he said.
Donation
“Money was offered for the venture from the Highley committee to the sum of £400 for the purchase of a TV, and the police said they would add funds to the value up to £1,000. I made a donation of a DVD player and a freeview box for the TV.
“The range of events we are thinking about include transport to ice skating rinks, the cinema, ten pin bowling and the possibility of weekend events such as camping.
“In-house events would and could include cooking skills and self-care personal hygiene, but all these events are linked to a behaviour reward only.
“A number of external agencies have already said they are very interested to visit and give out information on resources. These include Connexions, local council members, the local army and service units, the fire brigade and of course the police.
“We feel that more support will come on board as the time progresses. Interest is growing and we feel that this is the way forward to attract youths that thrive on the streets into a safer, warmer and more controlled environment — even if only for two days per week to start with.”
Mr Perry also said that he had been approached by residents as far away as Albrighton who had already heard of the scheme at Kath’s Cafe. “They already want to know how and when they can set up a similar venture in their own village.”
With such interest, glowing references from all over the district and an enthusiastic nucleus of youngsters in Highley all behind the venture, it seems the “youths” of Highley are attracting the headlines for all the right reasons.