In 2008, Birstall was identified as a 'hot-spot' for Anti-social behaviour and so they worked with numerous external partners to address the issue, such as Charnwood Borough Council, the LCC IMPACT team and Leicestershire Constabulary.

We all came together to undertake an "Environmental Action Week" and a number of young people took part in the programme, such as litter picking, removing graffiti and tidying the opening spaces. On the last day the Parish Council provided hot dogs and burgers and the Staff and Parish Councillors spoke with the young people, and the one suggestion that kept being raised was that they had "nowhere to go to just hang out and chill with their mates".

The Parish Council listened to the young people and felt that a '12 week Pilot Programme suggested by Deputy Clerk, Sue Coulson would meet most of the young people's requests.

The Parish Council offered the canteen area of the Pavilion on School Lane Playing Fields for them to use as drop-in style café on Friday evenings.

At the end of the 12 weeks, the young people attended a Parish Council meeting and asked for the Youth Café to continue. The Parish Council agreed.

Funding was applied for by the Deputy Clerk from various sources, and this helped to supply many of the items that they had put on their wish list at the Environmental Action Week meeting. sourced and received from

The youth café has gone from strength to strength and eradicated the issue of Anti-Social Behaviour. They are open on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 5.30pm - 8.00pm for all 8 - 11 year olds.

The Parish Council employs 4 enhanced DBS checked Youth Workers and one of the Parish Councillors volunteers their help. Youth café staff and volunteers are also first aid trained and hold food hygiene certificates. The youth workers deliver a wide variety of activities for all, ranging from cooking, hair & beauty, pool, table tennis, air football not to mention the outdoor activities during the fine weather of football, cricket and obstacle games.

The youth café has also been supporting a young volunteer from Leicester College

Sue Coulson "says doing positive activities with young children can help prevent problems later in the future, keeping people safe by providing local activities and keeping them fit and healthy, building their confidence".

For more info call: 0116 267 6191 or e-mail admin@birstallpc.org.uk