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Police step up patrols at troubled school
POLICE are to step up patrols and target 'key individuals' as part of an action plan to tackle continuing tensions at Sheffield Park Academy.
A strategy to deal with the troubles emerged after police, youth workers, politicians, academy representatives and council officials held an emergency session.
Plans were drawn up for an increased police presence in the area around the academy, on routes to and from the school, and in the wider communities of east Sheffield.
'Key individuals' will be targeted to prevent them stirring up trouble, while officers will monitor potential flashpoints in local communities. Police will also deploy special children and young people's officers to support schools in the area, including the academy.
Safer Neighbourhood Teams will work with local Neighbourhood Action Groups and community organisations on both immediate and long term solutions to community issues.
And the academy's governors are to call a meeting of parents, to take place early next week, to discuss their concerns. A letter will be sent to parents via pupils today.
After the meeting all the agencies involved issued a joint statement.
"There have been a number of incidents this week, carried out by a small number of irresponsible individuals, in the neighbourhood near to Sheffield Park Academy," it said.
"These incidents have led to concerns in local communities about pupil safety when travelling to and from the school. These incidents are clearly unacceptable, as is the fact some parents and pupils feel unsafe about the journey to and from school.
"We are all determined to take whatever action is necessary to improve safety in these communities. This is an issue for the whole city, not just the school.
"Our action plan will be carefully monitored by all the agencies concerned, to make sure these actions are effective. Longer term actions will also be developed and put in place.
"It is vital that concerns around safety in these communities are dealt with, and are dealt with now. Through implementing this action plan, and taking any necessary further actions, we are doing all we can to make this happen."
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Weather for Sheffield
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
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Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: East
