A family fun day at Hollyhedge Park in Benchill tomorrow is aimed at keeping kids safe.

Local police have organised the activities starting at 11am as part of their Safe4Summer campaign.

Fun activities such as face painting, balloon modelling and a bouncy castle will be on offer for younger age groups, and a youth bus will be available with games consoles on board.

Among the other attractions will be music provided by a DJ, Morris dancing and a ‘cutest dog’ competition, and burger and ice cream vans will be on hand to supply refreshments.

Specialist police vehicles will be on display, and officers will provide a free bike-marking service and hand out crime prevention tips.

Also there on the day will be Willow Park Wardens and officers and vehicles from the fire and rescue and ambulance services.

Inspector Caroline Hemingway of the Wythenshawe Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “I would encourage families to come down to what promises to be a fun-filled, action-packed day, as they will be most welcome, and the more people that are there the merrier.

“The Safe4Summer initiative runs throughout the school summer holidays, and involves us working closely with the fire and rescue service and housing authorities to ensure that everyone has a safe and stress-free summer.

“Pupils across the region have been made aware of the consequences of antisocial behaviour, and told about the website http://www.safe4summer.com which gives information on a host of fun activities happening in their area over the holidays.”

Police say they will also maintain a strong presence in antisocial behaviour hotspots and closely monitor those with a history of causing disruption to communities.

Underage drinkers will also be targeted and officers will seize illegally purchased alcohol, work with Trading Standards teams to target premises who sell to under 18s, and take firm action against adults who buy drink for young people.

Police will also crack down on the illegal use of off-road motorbikes, which tends to be more of a problem over summer, and offenders risk having bikes seized or even crushed.
Inspector Hemingway added: “Safe4Summer aims to provide young people with enough activities to banish boredom completely, and offers advice about personal safety on the street, in the countryside and near open water.

“It also promotes messages about social responsibility, as during the long summer break there are times when what may appear to be a bit of harmless fun can be seen differently by other people, and could carry some quite serious consequences if it gets out of hand.

“The vast majority of young people are law abiding and socially responsible, but I would remind them that it’s not only their summer holiday, as others may also be off enjoying activities or chilling in parks. Finally, I would appeal to parents and guardians to take an active interest in where their children are and what they are doing. Everyone should be able to enjoy the summer break in peace, and this initiative will help to ensure that they can.”

To report any instances of antisocial behaviour or criminal damage, call police on 101 or Crimestoppersanonymously on 0800 555 111.

Use 999 only in emergencies where there is a threat to life or property or a crime in progress.