Take care in summer

TEENAGERS and children have been urged to stay safe and out of trouble this summer in Runcorn and Widnes by enjoying organised activities and events.

The Safer Halton Partnership (SHP) alternatives to causing trouble include sports and fitness, bike maintenance, creating computer games, zorb football, archery, DJ sessions and more.

Other events on offer include the Halton’s Got Talent auditions, Wizard Of Oz at Norton Priory, mindfulness training and the Victoria Park free sports fun day.

Parents have also been urged to keep their children safe by encouraging them to take part in organised events and warning them of novel psychoactive substances – previously known as ‘legal highs’ and which officials said can have ‘devastating effects’ on their health.

Cllr Dave Cargill (community safety) said: “We want all young people to enjoy their summer. We hope that the activities being promoted by the Safer Halton Partnership will mean young people have fun and stay safe over the holidays and by doing so, help reduce crime and the fear of crime.

“We need the continued support of the community to help make this happen.”

To the minority of trouble makers, Supt Bill Dutton, of Cheshire police, said: “Anti-social behaviour has no place in Halton. We will not tolerate this type of criminal behaviour. Local people can be reassured that if they report incidents to us, they will be taken seriously.”

Victims or witnesses to anti-social behaviour can call 999 in an emergency or 101 in other circumstances.

A booklet with details of events taking place over the summer will be distributed this week and will be available at council buildings like libraries and Halton Direct Links.

The website www.halton.gov.uk/ respect will be updated daily with the latest events and residents can follow @ HaltonBC and #likesummer on Twitter or Facebook to find out more.

The events are being promoted by the Safer Halton Partnership, which comprises services including Halton Borough Council, Cheshire police, Cheshire Fire And Rescue Service, Cheshire Probation Service, Halton And Warrington Youth Offending Teams, Halton Voluntary Action, housing associations, Cheshire Chamber Of Commerce And Enterprise and NHS Halton CCG. ● More details are available from www.halton.gov.uk/respector