Scooter kids raise cash to ramp up fun
A PCSO sent to investigate anti-social behaviour worked with those who had been reported to come up with an innovative solution.
Having spoken to the youngsters who were riding their scooters in the Tesco and leisure centre car park in Maesteg, Julie Banks realised they just needed somewhere to go.
So she teamed up with them to raise the money to buy “pack away” skate and scooter ramps which will now be used for regular activity sessions.
“We were experiencing a bit of anti-social behaviour in the Tesco car park area and around the sports centre because it was providing a perfect space for the youngsters to gather and play on their scooters,” said PCSO Banks.
“There is a skate park nearby, but often there are older youths there, which they sometimes found intimidating, and also it’s no good when the weather is poor.
“I approached Karl, the manager at Halo, and he agreed that if we could raise the money to buy some ramps, he would store them at the centre and facilitate sessions. Because they are ‘pack-away’ and mobile it means they can be enjoyed whatever the weather as there is plenty of space inside and outside the centre.”
Following a sponsored car wash at Nantyffyllon Fire Station and a cycleathon at Tesco, the fund was given a welcome boost after PCSO Banks won the Community Shrievalty Cup at South Wales Police’s 2016 Awards. Part of her prize was £500, awarded by the Glamorgan High Sheriffs, to go towards the project.
The group were also lucky enough to receive match funding from the Garnwen Trust.
PCSO Banks said: “The boys have been a real credit – they’ve put the hours in to make a success of the fundraising, they’ve stayed patient and focused on what they wanted to achieve, and they’ve gained a real understanding that hard work does pay off.
“They’re so enthusiastic that they’re already planning other fundraisers so that they can add to their collection of ramps.”
The sessions, aimed at 11 to 15 year olds launched last Thursday and will continue weekly at 4pm.
The £1 entry fee will go towards more ramps hall hire. Further regular sessions are planned.