Street dance classes launched to combat anti-social behaviour

12:55pm Tuesday 11th December 2007

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STREET dance classes are being run by police in a bid to cut anti-social behaviour.

PC Anna Kitson and PCSO Martin Croasdale have started sessions in the Bradley area of Nelson to combat boredom amongst young people.

Street dancing covers a range of different dancing styles which are performed outside the usual studio setting and include breakdancing, popping and hip-hop new style.

PC Kitson said: "We have already had a lot of interest in Street Dancing with 32 young people turning up to our last session. Not only does it provide them with something to do, it's good exercise and great fun too!"

The scheme has been made possible by donations from the Pendle Community Safety Partnership and the Rank Foundation, enabling them to employ a dance instructor.

PCSO Croasdale added: "The feedback we are getting from the young people is fantastic! It's hard work but very rewarding and it certainly breaks down barriers between the Police and the young people when we practice together. We are looking for people to volunteer to help run the sessions too, so if anyone can spare a couple of hours a week then get in touch with us."

The dance sessions are run on a Wednesday evening at Hodge House Community Centre, Regent Street, Nelson as part of Operation Shepherd.

There are two sessions, one between 6pm and 7pm for youngsters up to the age of eight-years-old, and 7pm to 8pm for over eight-years-old.

This is not the first scheme of its type to try to combat boredom amongst young people. Police in Burnley have introduced freerunning classes at the St Peter's Centre.

Anyone wanting further information about the Street Dance sessions should contact PC Kitson on 07984 317183 or PCSO Croasdale on 07903 979050.