Shelter could be built where young gather near castle

Police want to erect a youth shelter on Scar Top, a grassed area which is the main entrance to the castle.

It has a play park, mini golf course and redundant paddling pool and has long been a meeting point for youths.

It is also the site of the tourist information centre at Woodleigh, and young people have started gathering outside the building and also behind shops in Horsemarket.

Police believe the area is ideal for youths to gather as there are few residential properties nearby and it is near the town centre.

Barnard Castle Vision wants to develop Scar Top to make the most of the space and its relationship to the castle.

At Teesdale Action Partnership last week, Insp Kevin Tuck said: “For decades, young people have congregated on Scar Top and they will continue to do so. It is a large open space and the young people aren’t doing anything wrong by being there.

“By putting a youth shelter in that location, we are legitimising young people being there.

“Barnard Castle Vision has a plan for Scar Top over a number of years, but I would like to see something like a youth shelter erected in the next financial year. There isn’t anything like it in Barnard Castle town centre.”

Insp Tuck said young people had started to seek shelter in the porch of the tourist information centre and used the walls and rails to skateboard on.

William Weston, of Barnard Castle Vision, said a recent consultation event highlighted the need for young people’s facilities to be incorporated into Scar Top.

“We aim to make Scar Top a genuine asset to the town and a space which will be well used by residents and visitors,” he said.

“Many of those who attended (the consultation) are passionate about working with the town’s young people to ensure their ideas are incorporated into this central space.

“Together with the community police team, we will be actively seeking input from as many young people as possible.”