Do you know where your child is?
How many of us parents worry about where our children are and what they are doing? Living in Culcheth means
that most families are very aware of their children, but the work I do brings me into contact with a lot of families
who have no interest in their children, and as long as they are out of sight they are not causing a problem for their
parents; at least, not at that time. Trouble often comes home, or follows home these young people, who think
nobody is interested in them, and this gives them the right to do what they want.
This attitude is coming nearer and nearer, however. We have a group of young people who are meeting regularly
at the Linear Park, particularly [but not exclusively] on a Friday night. They walk half a mile up the park, away from
the car park and the community police officers, and then drink all evening. Cans, bottles, all are left around as the
evidence. Where are they getting the alcohol from? Not the local shops, that is for sure. Trading standards has
recently done a check, using a young person, and every shop in Culcheth asked for identification. I asked trading
standards, who informed me it is usually the parents who buy it for their son/ daughter! Why? What do these
deluded parents think they are doing?
On Saturday 27th February, we had three young people in the Linear Park. One had a large sledge hammer, one
had an axe. The owl has had its face smashed off, and some of the beautifully carved benches had been
smashed up. Would you notice if your son went out with an axe or sledgehammer? They had to be local
youths…. Not many would be able to travel into the area armed like this. They were aged about 14 to 16. Do their
parents know who they are and why they need to go out with sledge hammers and axes? I feel sorry for these
lads. They mustn’t feel loved or even noticed if they have to draw attention to themselves in this way. Sorry, lads,
you were given bad parents.
On a more positive note, we had a ‘Walk with the one you love’ sponsored walk on Valentines day in the park. It
was decorated with balloons and hearts, and looked lovely. Over thirty people and ten dogs had a good time and
the park looked lovely. Thanks to all who supported us, some young people amongst them . Luckily it is a very
small minority of young people who cause problems, and we must be careful to remember this.
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