‘These kids in Stockwood have nothing to do and their parents have lost control’

Readers have their say over anti-social behaviour in Stockwood(Image: PAUL GILLIS / Reach PLC)

Bristol Live readers are concerned to hear that residents and shopkeepers in Stockwood say antisocial behaviour is getting out of hand, with groups of children and teenagers regularly gathering in a newly-refurbished square on Hollway Road. They claim the youngsters, some believed to be as young as ten, are intimidating people and disrupting day-to-day life in what is usually a quiet Bristol suburb.

Local councillors say there has been a rise in complaints, and police have now secured extra resources to step up foot patrols in the area. They also believe some of those causing trouble are travelling from outside Stockwood specifically to congregate in the square.

Two business owners spoke to Bristol Live anonymously over fears of being targeted if identified. “It’s intimidating because I work on my own,” one said. “You get groups of four or five of them, sometimes as many as 12 or 13. The young ones are just as bad as the old ones.” She believes the children know that being under 16 protects them from serious consequences.

Stockwood resident Elizabeth Sampson, who has lived in the area for more than 40 years, was waiting for a bus when she shared her frustrations. “It’s alright round here, but it’s not like it used to be,” she said. “To be honest, it’s all the kids.”

The square was recently revamped at a cost of hundreds of thousands of pounds, but Ms Sampson fears it won’t stay that way.

“That over there is lovely at the moment, but they rip things up and they’re abusive, so it won’t last,” she added.

Conservative councillors Jonathan Hucker and Graham Morris confirmed there had been “an uptick” in antisocial behaviour around the square and the Co-op.

“We work closely with the Neighbourhood Police Team and encourage them to maintain a visible presence,” they said. “The NPT have secured additional funding to increase the number of foot patrols in the area.”

One local shopkeeper said she had already noticed more officers in recent weeks, but reporting incidents still came with its own risks.

“I have rung the police, but I don’t like ringing,” she admitted. “You’re always a bit worried, if they know you’ve rung, are they gonna chuck something through your window?”

According to Avon and Somerset Police’s neighbourhood page for Stockwood, the area around Holloway Road shops is now being treated under a formal “Problem Solving Plan”, a multi-agency strategy the force says is designed to tackle long-term issues with persistent offenders.

Commenter Muttsnuts says: “I’ve never seen any trouble in this area. I live on Hollway Rd and use the shops there often. The few youths that hang around that area tend to sit on the steps outside the Co-op. They have always done that so nothing has changed. It’s usually a mix of young boys and girls chatting and messing about. No real threat to anyone.”

Martymoo believes: “Under 16 years old, kids out on the streets causing problems should be taken to the police station, the parents brought in, and given a warning that they will be fined for their offspring’s offences. It was done in my day( 1960s)what’s changed?”

HanhamHeights replies: “Funding for the police has been cut to the bone and the population has grown since then, that’s what has changed.”

Berklicker agrees: “Policing and laws have changed. You know, the basics, the closure of all police stations and no local officers. My local streets have open drug dealing, stabbings, corrupt businesses selling fake baccy and vapes. Welcome to the 21st century.”

Luvbris thinks: “These kids have nothing to do, there’s no proper youth clubs,they don’t join Scouts and Guides anymore, their parents have lost control.”

Antigov believes: “After 14 years of Tory rule and a pandemic to deal with the kids are doing great, don’t forget you were that age once.”

Figaro1785 points out: “This morning at Stockwood Medical Centre, a whole collection of teenagers were acting as volunteer St John cadets for flu injections, so don’t fall into the trap of tarring all young people with the same brush.

Frederick Hillberg asks: “CCTV ? You never see a police officer! Look at the graffiti on property near to the central police station. No one is ever brought to account and charged.”

George Lai states: “This is what happens when you don’t allow parents to teach their kids properly. There are too many rights for youths and they know it. Basically in the UK it’s all messed up and kids know they won’t get into trouble. Other countries don’t let kids act like this. Youths copy whatever they see online or do what they think will get away with. Show them more strict punishments will end all these problems.”

What’s the answer to antisocial behaviour? Have you experienced any issues at the precinct? Share your thoughts in the comments.