Extra patrols to stem menace of 'abusive youths' who set fires at Community Centre

Users of Selby Community Centre have reported a spike in nuisance incidents including where meetings have been disturbed, patrons verbally abused and even one incident where a fire was set in the stairwell of the premises. A group were understood to be using upstairs of the building at the time the fire was set, adding to fears that serious injuries could occur if the behaviour continues to escalate.

Recent posts by worried centre users on a Selby facebook group point blame for much of the anti-social behaviour on a group of around ten or so local youths who are regularly seen to frequent the vicinity of Scott Road after dark.

The Scott Road based centre is run by Selby Community Trust, who say the future of the building could be being put in jeopardy by the mindless behaviour of the persons who put its users at risk. The small local charitable trust uses income from the rental of the facility in order to fund the centres upkeep as well as to ensure the surrounding public park land is available for use and enjoyment by the local community.

Melanie Davis, Chair of the Community Trust said, “This is a good community asset and we encourage its use by as many people within the community as possible.  It is a real shame when a few badly behaved individuals cause distress and concern to both our care-taking staff and other users of the Centre.

"We would ask everyone to help us maintain this community asset and ensure it is there for our current and future needs.  If users do not feel safe in the building and our income falls then the whole future of the building could be under threat."

Local police are now understood to be mounting extra patrols in a bid to stem the rise in anti-social behaviour at the location. Anyone with information about any of the incidents, or those responsible, is asked to contact the Police on 101.