On the youth bus with operation cleansweep

Letting teens hang around bus stops might seem a recipe for trouble for some. But there's one bus stop they don't have to worry about this summer.

The Youth Bus, which is being backed by the Park Area committee and Preston Road NDC, is welcoming around 30 young people every Tuesday, when it pulls up at John Hadland Park. They can use the on-board IT facilities or simply sit and chat about issues that affect them. The bus can even provide transport for youngsters wishing to take part in leisure activities in the area. Working with local colleges, staff on the bus provide advice and information about education and training opportunities, as well as details of any recreational activities available in the area. The bus is part of Operation Cleansweep, an 11-week project by the police, the council and Preston Road NDC to address some of the root causes of anti-social behaviour in the area.

Activities have included a truancy sweep targeting known non-attenders in East Hull; police officers have been promoting the Lifestyle 2004 competition in the area's schools and youth workers have organised drama workshops for teenagers. Supermarkets on the estate have also backed the campaign, challenging customers wanting to buy alcohol and who could be under age to produce identification.

Speaking at the launch, City Council leader Coun. Colin Inglis said: "There are many factors that affect community safety, not only the obvious ones: a clean environment, no graffiti, activities for young people, dealing quickly and effectively with anti-social behaviour, stamping out crime. The full range of activities which have been brought together is probably the most comprehensive operation of its kind in England."

Meanwhile Kevin Robinson, the council's Park Area director is hoping that the Youth Bus will dispel the negative comments that teenage crowds on street corners sometimes attract. "It is a facility that taps directly into what young people want to do, giving them a space to express themselves," he said.