Summer Tag Rugby Sessions For South Oswestry Youngsters

Youngsters living in villages south of Oswestry get to enjoy free tag rugby sessions this summer thanks to their local police.

The Oswestry Rural South Local Policing Team has organised sessions at West Felton Primary School every Tuesday morning and the playing fields behind Kinnerley Village Hall every Thursday morning throughout the summer holidays.

PC Pete Dale, who will be running the sessions with Community Support Officer Kurt Mabe, said the project would be a great chance for youngsters to have fun while getting to know their local officers.

"While all children love the summer holidays, we recognise that there is not always a lot for them to do that doesn't cost money," he said.

"The intention of the tag rugby sessions is to give them something fun to do during the long holiday period, while also getting some exercise and learning to work as part of a team.

"It also gives the police an excellent and informal way to engage with young people in the community."

West Mercia Police is supporting Respect Week, an  initiative running until Friday (30 July) to promote the positive diversionary work forces across the country are doing to tackle anti-social behaviour.

Reducing anti-social behaviour is a high priority for West Mercia Police. Our aim is to raise awareness of the impact anti-social behaviour can have on others and encourage communities to respect and tolerate each other.

Communities can play an active role in identifying and reducing ASB by providing us with valuable information about what is happening in their area.

If you have any information or concerns, you can raise them by:

• Attending your local PACT (Partners and Communities Together) meeting, surgery or event.
• Calling 0300 333 3000 to speak to your local policing team.
• Emailing your local policing team via the force website www.westmercia.police.uk 
• Calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to report information anonymously.

To find out more about the tag rugby sessions or PACT activities in your area visit www.westmercia.police.uk or call 0300 333 3000.

Issued: Monday 19 July 2010