Petition for youth space in empty shops launched

A petition calling for the repurposing of an empty unit in a council-owned shopping centre into a space for young people has been launched.

Youth worker Lee Davis is calling on Cherwell District Council to provide a space in Banbury's Castle Quay shopping centre.

Two young people in the town said the "wonderful" proposal was a "really good idea".

Cherwell District Council has not responded to a request for comment.

More than 750 incidents of anti-social behaviour were recorded in the centre of Banbury in 2024 - prompting the council to place it under a public spaces protection order.

Thistle Wyatt said when they were younger there was "really nothing to do", meaning they would "get into all sorts of trouble with my friends".

"I think having an actual space for young people to go and spend their time and have activities and things would be really good," the 21-year-old said.

"I wouldn't have gotten into half the trouble I did as a kid if I had somewhere to actually go and do activities and stuff."

Ysabelle Mason, 20, echoed similar sentiments, and said: "Growing up there was never anything there for us.

"I feel like if there was something for the younger generation to go and do, sit in, play games together, where they can just come and meet up it would get them off the streets, and give them a bit more of a purpose than just roaming around getting up to mischief."

In his proposal, Mr Davis said there were "so many spaces in Castle Quay stood empty" that could be used as a "space dedicated to workshops, mentoring, support, issues based talks, as well as fun activities".

"Let's give everyone a safe space, a safe support network, and most importantly a safe Banbury that we all deserve," he added.

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