Row over Devon youth shelter

There are fears over anti-social behaviour

Cullompton Town Council is divided over plans to install a new youth shelter at the Meadow Lane skate park, a project expected to cost around £12,000.

The shelter, intended to provide a gathering space for local youth, has sparked intense debate among council members, with concerns about funding and potential impacts on nearby residents.

Councillor Chris Snow, who lives near the Meadow Lane area, voiced strong reservations about the shelter, citing concerns over anti-social behaviour.

“This is only going to exacerbate the situation even more,” he said.

Cllr Snow also expressed frustration over the lack of input from local police on the matter, suggesting that without their perspective, the council may not be fully aware of potential issues.

“Why don’t the police ever attend our meetings?” he questioned.

However, town clerk Dan Ledger clarified that local law enforcement is, in fact, supportive of the youth shelter’s installation.

“We had a visit from local law enforcement just last week and they are in full support of this plan and its location,” Mr Ledger informed the council.

The debate extended to the issue of the skate park’s ownership, which falls under Mid Devon District Council (MDDC).

Councillor Mike Thompson questioned the financial rationale of investing in land not owned by the town council.

“I think we’re putting too much money into the district council’s land and responsibility,” he stated. “We should spend it on our things rather than that.”

However, Councillor Emma Buczkowski defended the investment, highlighting the shelter’s community benefits, saying: “Whether it’s MDDC land or town council land, at the end of the day, the youth shelter going down there is going to benefit the wider community. It’s something that the youngsters have been asking for a long time.”

Cllr Buczkowski also addressed safety concerns, suggesting that the shelter could foster positive interactions between the youth and local police.

“The police also prefer to know where the youth is,” she said. “If they’re in a youth shelter, they know where they are, so they know where to patrol.

“The decision to put a youth shelter there was made at a previous meeting,” Cllr Sue Robinson reminded the council, adding, “It’s been approved. This issue is only a funding one.”

Despite the approval, Cllr Snow expressed concern about a lack of consultation with nearby residents, particularly in Water Meadow.

“There's been youths in the Knightswood area who don't go to the skatepark because there is so much anti-social behaviour going on down there.

“I know the police are not recording it, but the residents are certainly taking much notice of it. If this goes up and goes in, you're going to have a lot of people down there who will be up in arms about it.”

Councillor Tony Spring, appearing frustrated with the prolonged discussion, interjected saying: “Enough. If you represent that area, go and tell the people of the area what is going on. This has been brought before council before. This is not the first time that a proposal for a shelter has been brought forward. It was brought forward some months ago and passed by the council.”

With the council’s prior approval, funding remains the final hurdle for the youth shelter’s installation at Meadow Lane.