Derbion works with youth groups to tackle bad behaviour

Shopping centre bosses are working with city youth groups to tackle issues

Bosses at the Derbion shopping centre in Derby say they are taking a proactive approach to tackling anti-social behaviour by young people.

The Derby Youth Alliance - a coalition of groups aimed at supporting young people in the city - said problems included drug use and vandalism.

Shopping centre leaders say they have been working with the alliance to try to reduce nuisance behaviour.

Initiatives have included evening engagement sessions at the venue.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said a recent presentation to Derby City Council by the alliance had detailed some of the main issues.

Incidents included damage to car parks and furniture in the food courts, as well as drug use on stairwells and in car parks.

'City-wide taskforce'

The alliance said nearly 400 young people had engaged with its sessions, held at the centre on weekday evenings last summer, to try to discourage nuisance behaviour.

A Derbion spokesperson said: "Safety will always be our priority at Derbion. We welcome tens of thousands of shoppers every day who enjoy visiting our safe and welcoming environment.

"Anti-social behaviour is an issue that affects cities across the UK.

"As part of a city-wide taskforce including the police, city partners and local youth groups, we take a proactive approach to collaborate on initiatives across Derby that encourage outreach and engagement for the benefit of the wider city centre.

"Our experienced security team manages any situations, which are in the minority, through agreed protocols."