The Problem of Antisocial Behaviour in Garston
Antisocial behaviour is a major concern in Garston, with 167 reports of the issue in 2024, a rate of 25.6 per 1000 people. The problem is predominantly youth-related, and Merseyside Police says that tackling it is a ‘force priority’.
What is Antisocial Behaviour?
For those unfamiliar with the term, antisocial behaviour (ASB) refers to any behaviour that is perceived to be causing distress, alarm, or harassment to others. It can include a range of issues, such as vandalism, graffiti, loitering, and harassment. In the context of Garston, ASB is often associated with young people engaging in behaviour that is perceived to be threatening or intimidating.
Causes of Antisocial Behaviour
The causes of ASB are complex and multifaceted. According to Merseyside Police, ASB is often linked to issues such as poverty, unemployment, and social isolation. In the case of Garston, the problem is often exacerbated by the presence of gangs and young people who are involved in substance abuse.
Strictly Boxing: A New Approach to Tackling ASB
In an attempt to tackle the problem of ASB in Garston, Paul Coshott, the owner of Strictly Boxing Fitness Studio, is offering a new approach to tackling the issue. By providing a ‘fun, safe and friendly environment’ for young people to train in, Paul hopes to catch antisocial behaviour at its roots.
- By giving young people goals to aim for, Paul is trying to encourage them to spend less time on their phones and more time engaging in positive activities.
- Strictly Boxing also aims to support the mental and physical wellbeing of young people, providing a safe and supportive environment for them to learn and grow.
Key Principles of Strictly Boxing
• Providing a fun, safe and friendly environment for young people to train in
• Giving young people goals to aim for, to encourage them to spend less time on their phones and more time engaging in positive activities
• Supporting the mental and physical wellbeing of young people
• Teaching children to become more aware of food and nutrition, learn to set goals, overcome fears, be persistent, achieve goals and then set bigger goals
Paul Coshott’s Experience and Expertise
Paul Coshott has been training young people for 29 years and has witnessed the devastating effects of antisocial behaviour firsthand. He believes that the key to tackling ASB lies in providing young people with the support and guidance they need to make positive choices.
“We’re trying to make a fun, safe and friendly environment for children to train in. They can come along, get fit, make new friends and learn the fundamentals of boxing and martial arts. We’re trying to encourage them to spend less screen time on their phones and on gadgets, getting them out into a positive environment, rather than being isolated in their rooms. We come across a lot of kids with anxiety now, so we’re trying to create a friendly, fun environment and then, after that, we’re trying to have an influence over their fitness and their mental – as well as physical – health. We get them to become more aware of food and nutrition, learn to set goals, overcome fears, be persistent, achieve goals and then set bigger goals.”
Blaming Phones for Antisocial Behaviour
Paul Coshott believes that phones play a significant role in the rise of antisocial behaviour among young people. He argues that the constant access to information and the influence of social media can lead to the modeling of negative behaviour. “I think the phones have got a lot to answer for. They’ve got access to anything and everything on their phones, and they’re just being influenced by so many things and so many people out there, and really picking up on toxic behaviours, toxic beliefs, actions that really were just never there when I was younger. It was just never there and kids, in some ways, are growing up a lot faster at younger ages.”
Positive Influences in Garston
Despite the presence of antisocial behaviour in Garston, Paul describes the town as ‘vibrant’ and ‘positive’. He notes that there are many good things happening in the area, including a strong sense of community and a variety of positive influences.
- Merseyside Police is working with partner agencies to tackle ASB in Garston, including housing and health services.
- Garston is part of the Antisocial Behaviour Hotspot programme for 2025, which involves additional high-visibility policing and community engagement.
Conclusion
Strictly Boxing Fitness Studio is offering a new approach to tackling antisocial behaviour in Garston. By providing a fun, safe and friendly environment for young people to train in, Paul Coshott hopes to catch antisocial behaviour at its roots. With its focus on supporting the mental and physical wellbeing of young people, Strictly Boxing is providing a unique and innovative solution to the problem of ASB in Garston.
