Spooky parade to occupy Hartcliffe youngsters during mischief week

As the annual ‘Mischief Week’ is almost upon us, Safer Bristol is keeping Hartcliffe occupied with a spooky parade.

The days between Halloween and Bonfire Night have been dubbed Mischief Week due to an average 16 per cent rise in anti-social behaviour.

The Safer Bristol partners aim to work within the community, occupying young people to keep them out of trouble during this time.

Bristol City Council’s Head of Youth Services, Rose Richards, said: “Over the summer we have run a series of successful play projects in Withywood and Willmotte Parks and we want to build on this during half term. Unfortunately, some parks risk becoming a focus for anti-social behaviour. But by having play workers on site, as well as fixed play equipment, we are able to encourage young people to get involved in positive activities. The response in the local community has been really supportive.”

Hundreds of youngsters in Hartcliffe and Withywood will be able to take part in half-term workshops to create puppets for a Halloween night Spooky Parade.

The final parade will start at Withywood Park, wind through Withywood and Hartcliffe, ending with a bonfire at Willmotte Park.

Workshops will run from 12 to 4pm in Willmotte Park on Monday and Wednesday, and Withywood Park on Tuesday and Thursday of half-term.

Avon and Somerset Constabulary Bishopsworth Neighbourhood Inspector Caroline Bullen said: “Last year’s Spooky Parade was a tremendous success. It gave the community a safe focus for Halloween celebrations, bringing local people together in a positive way and reducing the anti-social behaviour which the emergency services across the country have to deal with at this time of
year.”