Outside the Emanuelle Chapel

A CAMPAIGNER has organised a high-profile public meeting in response to growing public concerns over the levels of youth crime in parts of Bristol.

Charlotte Leslie has called the public meeting, to be held in Emmanuel Chapel, Satchfield Cresent, Henbury, on Saturday March 28th to discuss the perceived growing level of youth crime in Crow Lane.

Charlotte, the Conservative Prospective MP for Bristol North West, called the public meeting with police, youth services and community representatives to address public concern over crime and disorder in the area.

She has already been in Henbury advertising the meeting and talking to residents.

Among the panel for the event will be representatives from the local police force and council youth services.

They will be joined by the leader of Emmanuel Chapel, community youth worker, Paul Thompson, Conservative city council candidate Chris Windows, and Dave Jeal – an ex-gang-member and now leader of a church in Lockleaze.

Charlotte Leslie will chair the event.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Charlotte said: “I called this meeting because I have been overwhelmed by people coming to me about the level of antisocial behaviour and crime on Crow Lane, and telling me how vulnerable they feel.

“Public feeling about the level of crime in the area really is very strong so I want to give people an opportunity to voice their concerns and talk directly with police and other community representatives about what is already being done and what more must be done.

“The police are working hard in trying to contain crime in the area, and this is also an opportunity for the police to explain the challenges they face, and progress they are making.

“I hope at the end of this meeting residents can know that their views have been heard by the people who have the potential to change things.

“I also hope that we will have constructive ideas about what we can do together, with the police and as a community, to hit back against youth crime.”
Crow Lane has a history of challenges with crime and anti-social behaviour, including an alleged knife attack on a teenager in January, as well as an alleged attack on a Portuguese couple by youths.

Last autumn, evening bus services had to be diverted away from Crow Lane after attacks by youths throwing fireworks and stones.

Paul Thompson, who runs Emmanuel Chapel where the meeting is being held, and who has been working to engage with youth in the area said: “I think this meeting is a really good idea. There are big problems in the area, but there is the positive side too.

“Here at Emmanuel Chapel, we’ve had some real success stories in engaging with young people.

“I will be talking about the positive things we can do to engage with these kids and teach them mutual respect before things turn bad.”

City council candidate Chris Windows added: “I grew up in Henbury and there is no doubt things have got worse over the years. The reasons lie deep.

“There needs to be more discipline and real penalties for trouble makers, not just more initiatives – and that’s a job for Government.

“But if we don’t get people together to work together, how can we begin to solve the problems we all face?”

The meeting will take place 10am-12pm on Saturday 28th March, Emmanuel Chapel, Satchfield Cresent, Henbury. All are welcome.