A large sculpture in Queens Gardens on which skate boarders could perform tricks is just one of the latest ideas of the Coalition of Hull’s Young People (CHYP). The group has already asked an architect to help draw up a proper plan for the sculpture, which would also serve as a monument to Victoria Climbie.
It would carry a message about protecting children, as a tribute to the eight-year-old from London who died as a result as of being beaten and abused.
“Part of the sculpture would be a quarter-pipe shape for skaters,” says Kris Woodall, a founding member of CHYP.
“It’s only a suggestion at the moment and we want to ask the public what they think, before we submit a report to the council.”
On a roll
The idea is part of a campaign started by CHYP (pronounced “chip”) to improve the image of young people and to provide more positive activities for them.
Recently the group successfully opposed the introduction of a law banning young people from gathering in the city centre.
The law, known as a Dispersal Order, would have given police the power to order young people to leave certain areas if they suspected there was a risk of them committing antisocial behaviour.
Terri Percival (17), another CHYP member said: “I’d hate to see young people getting banned from everywhere so I think it’s important to challenge all the many prejudices against us, but also that we get involved in trying to make things better for everyone.”
Taking action
Recently CHYP members delivered a petition to Downing Street asking for a local asylum seeker to be allowed to stay in Britain.
They also held an open-air meeting in Queen’s Gardens (pictured) to discuss how young people used the city centre and what issues concerned them.
This was followed up by research in the city centre in which they asked more than 100 young people, and a few adults, how the city centre could be improved.
They found that many people wanted Queens Gardens made safer with more night-time lighting.
CHYP is supported by Hull Youth Council and The Warren Young Peoples Project.
For more information contact the Youth Council on 585297 or The Warren 218115.
