Centre opens to tackle anti-social behaviour

Karen Noble, of the Pallion Action Group, said the centre aimed to raise people's asiprations

A community centre has opened with the aim of helping to tackle knife crime and anti-social behaviour.

The Pavilion, in Sunderland, is expected to support about 500 children during the school summer holidays.

It has been set up inside a derelict bowling club near the Pennywell estate, which had become a magnet for trouble.

Tanya Brown, whose son Connor was stabbed to death in the city in 2019 and who manages the centre, said: "It's about early intervention - kids don't decide to just pick up knives, there's always something at the root of the problem."

She said having someone like her based at The Pavilion would help the community get to the bottom of those issues.

Her son was just 18 when he was stabbed five times after trying to defuse an argument outside a pub in the city.

Leighton Barrass was jailed for life for his murder.

Connor Brown was stabbed to death in 2019

Karen Noble, of the Pallion Action Group, said since work started to transform the building, anti-social behaviour had already been reduced by 80%.

It took four months for the work to be completed, which was supported through government funding, lottery grants and help from the community.

"We want to make sure that people get inspired and that we raise their aspirations and they've got quality advice and guidance that they can come to," Ms Noble added.

The former bowling club was a magnet for anti-social behaviour