Fun-filled community activity day lined up at Fernwood

A COMMUNITY fun day has been lined up this week in Fernwood, as part of a series of activity days for young people in the summer holidays

Newark and Sherwood District Council, in partnership with Fernwood Parish Council, has organised the free event, which will offer everything from crafts and games to virtual boxing, bike marking and even a smoothie-making bike, in a friendly, safe environment.

The event will take place on Friday, August 13 at the playing field off Ruby’s Avenue, Fernwood, between 11am and 4pm. No booking is necessary, residents can simply turn up.

Artistic youngsters can also get involved in a free graffiti art project in partnership with a local artist.

As well as issuing crime prevention advice, officers from Nottinghamshire Police will be offering free bike marking, which involves etching the bike frame with the owner’s postcode and registering the details of the bike and inputting its serial number on to the bike register scheme.

The main advantage of having a bike security marked is that bikes can be more easily identified and returned to the owner, if stolen. Security marking your bike can also act as deterrent to opportunist thieves and could help to protect yourself from becoming a victim of theft.

Members of the public are also welcome to join Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue colleagues on the day, between 2pm and 4pm, to see a selection of emergency services vehicles and ask questions around community safety.

The event has been welcomed as a positive opportunity to keep young people occupied during the summer holidays, following recent concerns around youth disorder.

Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, David Lloyd, said: “Events like this are a fantastic opportunity for us to engage with members of the community and we’ve missed being able to offer them in the last year. There will be something for the whole family, from younger children to families, as well as a chance for any residents to come and see us to raise any concerns.

“Ourselves, the Parish Council and Police are aware that there have been recent incidents of anti-social behaviour in Fernwood and individuals involved are being tackled. However, these events are also a great way for ourselves and other partner agencies to engage with young people and to build relationships. It is always important to spend time and communicate positively with young people so we have a better understanding of their needs.”