Portsmouth event bids to find solutions for summer anti-social behaviour at Hot Walls

The World Cafe event was created in the wake of around 100 youngsters causing chaos in riotous scenes in summer 2019.

It was delayed following the Covid pandemic but now residents and businesses in Old Portsmouth are being asked to join young people – some of whom were involved in the chaos – in an online conversation at the Speak Up Pompey, Pompey Speak Up event on Saturday.

This will allow people to be part of the conversation about what can be done to make the area safer.

Organisers have been supported by MutualGain, an organisation committed to working and engaging with communities, and Hampshire Constabulary.

Portsmouth South Inspector Louise Tester said: ‘We are very much looking forward to the World Café event on Saturday, which will provide our residents and businesses with the opportunity to discuss their views on the Hot Walls and share their ideas.’

‘We believe conversations such as these are key to our long-term response so that we can listen to our residents and get the best outcomes for our communities. We’d like to thank MutualGain for working on the Speak Up Pompey, Pompey Speak Up programme and holding this event.’

She added: ‘The Hot Walls are a wonderful place to spend time in Portsmouth and lots of people enjoy them, however we do know that some of our residents have concerns around personal safety in the area.

‘We think this will be an excellent opportunity to get our local communities together, young and old, and hear their thoughts on what we all can do to ensure the area is enjoyed by everyone in years to come.’

People will take part in small group conversations as if they were sitting in a café having a chat with their neighbours. The conversation will look to include all communities and is hoping to talk about how to encourage all ages and backgrounds to work together.

The outcome of the World Cafe will set out the priorities for later phases.

Councillor Rob Wood, Deputy Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, said: ‘Young people are complex, still learning about life and push boundaries but they are still the future. We need to ensure the broadest range of services and experiences available to ensure we try to get the best outcomes when engaging with young people whatever the situation.’

‘We would hope to see lessening ASB or similar year on year and more youngsters engaged with the various services and organisations.’See https://www.eventbrite.com/e/speak-up-pompey-pompey-speak-up-tickets-153024826375 for more.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

You can subscribe here for unlimited access to our online coverage, including Pompey, with 70 per cent fewer adverts for less than 20p a day.