New Somercotes play area aims to tacle anti-social behaviour

The council agreed on Tuesday (3rd December) to contribute £40,050 towards creating a multi-use games area on the Thurston Avenue Estate off Scott Drive and Bonnington Drive.

Youngsters have been using this area in recent months because of problems in the past with them playing ball games near to people’s homes which had resulted in complaints and “No Ball Games” signs being put up.

But because it is on a slope with a fenced-off stream at the bottom it is difficult for youngsters to play ball games safely. This has led to residents asking for better facilities for them to use.

Coun Dave Allen, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for health and communities, said: “We’re committed to helping communities tackle crime and anti-social behaviour which is one of the key reasons behind this project.

“The improvements will create a proper space for youngsters to play football or other ball games away from other homeowners which has been a problem in the past.

“Creating sports areas like this is also part of our commitment to building stronger communities by making it easier for young people to enjoy healthy activities.”

The council has secured partnership funding of £9,300 towards the total cost from local housing provider Futures Homescapes and Somercotes Parish Council.

The games area will mean youngsters can play sports such as football and basketball in all weathers away from residents’ homes.

It will have goal posts, basketball nets, fencing and ball walls running all the way round and a surface marked out for a number of sports.

The money will also pay for levelling of the land – which measures 10 metres by 20 metres – and for benches and bins.

The games area is in an area with lots of social housing where figures show higher levels of crime and anti-social behaviour than in other parts of the county.

It is hoped work could start next spring.