Teenagers say city feels unsafe and are ashamed of its looks
Last updated 10:08, Friday, 11 July 2008
YOUNG people living in Carlisle have admitted feeling unsafe and embarrassed by the city as they revealed their hopes for the future.
Youth group PLUG (People Like Us Group) have been sharing their thoughts with the city council as part of the groundbreaking Renaissance scheme.
The teenagers say better city centre lighting and CCTV coverage would make them feel safer walking at night and have called for dedicated places where they can hang out with friends.
The members of the group all live in and around the city centre. They have been taking part in weekly meetings to give their views on a blueprint for the future – an urban design guide for potential developers interested in helping revitalise Carlisle. And they have spoken of some of the obstacles and issues they face every day.
James Wilson, 18, said: “People get sick of us going into the library, but we have nowhere else to go.
“I don’t feel safe in the city centre on my own at night.”
Louise Phillips, also 18, added: “All we are asking for is a place where we can sit with friends and feel safe with some couches and a television.
“I would also like to see more trees and would feel much safer if there was better lighting in the town centre.”
James continued: “If I was bringing a friend to Carlisle who was visiting for the first time I would feel ashamed and disappointed to show them around. The area around the train station could look much better.”
Julianna Gallop, 16, also said she would like to see more trees and benches in the city centre.
The seven teenagers this week agreed they would also like to see coloured lighting used to brighten up historical parts of in the city and say a water feature would also add character.
Council youth partnership officer Rhian Davies has been working with PLUG, which meets at Carlisle Library.
She said: “They have really got involved with the project and are really passionate about it.
“The group have some great ideas, they are very vocal and it is really encouraging to see them take on this campaign for the young people of Carlisle.”
The youngsters are one of a number of specialist groups, including the elderly and ethnic minorities, to be consulted on the blueprint for the future.
The Urban Design Guide and Public Realm Framework is a handbook for potential developers, architects and designers and is out for public consultation until July 31.
Copies of the document are available at the Civic Centre’s customer contact centre and Carlisle Library. An online version is also available at www.carlisle.gov.uk.
Council leader Mike Mitchelson said: “Carlisle has a unique and important array of buildings and open spaces in its city centre.
“This new draft planning guideline document will help us have stronger planning regulations so we can make sure that we have well-designed, high-quality buildings and public spaces.
“This is another important step forward for Carlisle Renaissance and we urge local residents to give us their views on the design principles, including making the city centre more accessible and pedestrian-friendly.”
I think the idea of a 'juice bar' would be great for the teenagers of Carlisle, ie a pub/bar type atmosphere where they can all hang out but without the alcohol.
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The report says that minority groups such as youths and ethnic minorities are being questioned about what they want for Carlisle. I wonder, are people who don't fit into any minority also being asked for their opinion?
Posted by Rachel on 31 August 2008 kl. 23:50