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It's the kids from Luton
Luton youths taking the train to Luton are blamed for bad behaviour
Crime and anti-social behaviour in Flitwick stems from Luton, council bosses were told this week.
Fresh powers to tackle groups of youths in Flitwick's centre have been given to Beds Police, but at a meeting of Central Beds executive on Tuesday members heard the issue was not with the town's youngsters.
Councillor Anita Lewis said: "Youths come up on the train from Luton to cause trouble. Aragon Housing in Flitwick gives priority to families from Luton with disruptive children."
Under the new dispersal order powers, police officers will be able to break up groups of people deemed to be intimidating and return home anyone aged under 16 out without an adult after 9pm and thought to be at risk of causing anti-social behaviour or crime.
The order will cover the areas of Coniston Road, the recreation ground and the Bumble Bee pub, all identified by police as antisocial behaviour hotspots.
But councillors raised concerns that the dispersal order would merely move the problem youths to a different area of town.
Councillor David McVicar, portfolio holder for safer and stronger communities said: "We have an 'exit strategy', otherwise we would just squeeze the problem from one area to another."
Councillor Steve Male added that while he agreed there was a problem with teenagers coming from Luton to Flitwick and causing problems, the matter was being dealt with.
Plans to open the town's youth club for drop-in sessions on Friday evenings are being considered, as are designs for a new youth shelter on the recreation ground and a skate park.
Further dates for drum and bass nights are also being looked at, as previous events have cut anti-social behaviour by giving youths a place to go.
Councillor Adam Fahn said he supported the dispersal order, but urged caution in the way the new powers are used.
He said: "Just because they are standing in a group does not mean they are intimidating or causing anti-social behaviour.
"I doubt many people are intimidated by a group of 60-year-olds hanging around outside a Legion club and they have sticks, albeit walking sticks.
"But my point is it is all about perceptions."
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Weather for Bedford
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
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Temperature: 11 C to 24 C
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Wind direction: East
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Temperature: 11 C to 22 C
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