Night-Time Economy Systems Maps
Mapping the night-time economy at a local level to reduce unequal harms
Rising youth violence often in areas with late-night licensed premises
Source of power:
Cultural
Space of power:
CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
Description:
Participants felt Swindon has a growing issue with “serious” youth violence and gang culture. This includes gang rivalry between closely located areas of Swindon, with drug-dealing "power struggles". Youths congregate in the night-time economy areas, the town centre, and district areas, where there are high rates of youth stabbings and antisocial behaviour (particularly in areas with licensed premises that open until late, e.g., off-licences and betting shops). Residents are very aware of these gang-related issues. One participant felt gender-specific support is needed for boys and girls involved in these activities.
Quotes from participants:
"...Swindon does have an issue with serious youth violence and gang culture... it’s become evermore prevalent... young person stabbings and things like that... that will come into that nighttime economy arena, certainly in the town centre but again, back in some of these small district areas of Swindon where these youths are kind of congregating "
"...the smaller district areas where they’ve got licensed premises that are open till late, like off-licences and bookies... where these kids may congregate and cause antisocial behaviour."
Primary Connections
