Par Track appeals to parents as evening crowds gather by café

Some evenings, as many as 30 young people have been gathering outside the café and entrance at Par Track. Most of them aren’t doing anything wrong. And that is exactly what makes it tricky.

The community facility in Par and St Austell Police have both spoken out about the issue on Facebook, after staff raised concerns about the size of the groups and the effect they are having on other visitors.

What the police have said

St Austell Police said they had been in contact with staff at the track about large numbers of young people congregating around the café area in the evenings, which has caused concern for staff and users. Officers said a minority have been seen behaving in an antisocial manner.

Patrols have been carried out and officers have spoken to the young people gathering there. The majority, they said, have been good natured and amicable.

The police post also acknowledged that the track’s facilities make it a good spot for young people to socialise, and asked anyone spending time there to show respect and understanding to staff and visitors.

“It is a much valued spot for the community,” officers said. “Ourselves and staff at the track want all users to enjoy and feel safe using the facilities.”

It’s the numbers, says Par Track

Par Track thanked the police for their continued support and for taking the concerns raised by its staff and users seriously.

The track was clear that it recognises the importance of young people having somewhere to meet, and that the majority are not deliberately causing trouble. Its biggest challenge, it said, is simply how many gather around the café and entrance, particularly in the evenings.

At times, groups of 25 to 30 have formed there. According to the track, that “can create an intimidating environment for other visitors, even when no antisocial behaviour is taking place.”

It said this is having a real impact on people feeling comfortable visiting, as well as affecting its activities and income.

A message for parents and carers

Par Track said it is working with the police, local youth workers and other partners to look at positive, longer-term solutions that support young people while keeping the site safe and welcoming for everyone.

In the meantime, it has asked parents and carers whose children regularly spend their evenings there to talk to them about the impact large groups can have on other users, and to encourage them not to congregate around the café and entrance.

Anyone who witnesses antisocial behaviour is asked to report it directly to the police.

“Par Track is a community facility for everyone, and we want it to remain that way,” the track said. “We aren’t trying to stop young people enjoying the site, but we do need to find a balance that works for the whole community.”