Residents get tough with unruly youths

People on the Jump farm estate in Platts Common, Barnsley, are fed up with underage drinking and criminal damage, according to Neighbourhood Watch chairman Barry McGowan.

He warned the offenders would be caught after the Neighbourhood Watch, the Safer Neighbourhood Team, Berneslai Homes - the council’s housing arm - and the local TARA pledged to work together.

Mr McGowan said: “I want to make those responsible aware we are watching what is happening and are working closely together with other community groups to put a stop to it.

“It is just mindless vandalism and there’s no point to it at all. We will identify the people and pass on the information to the police who we are working closely with to stop the problem.”

Police with Hoyland SNT had removed a makeshift bed from a derelict garage to stop it being used by squatters, according to Martin Kenworthy, SNT tasking officer, who said he was pleased with the results so far.

He added: “We have identified the main culprits who have caused most of the problems. We are identifying the offenders and if they are found to be Berneslai Homes tenants then we can go to their parents.”

Mark McGee, Berneslai Homes housing director, said: “All issues that affect the community are discussed and acted on with a partnership approach.”

Platts Common TARA is staging a meeting at the Sunrise Manor community centre on Guest Street at 2pm on Wednesday September 5.