Jim Parker: 'Respect' - a word missing in some people's vocabulary
Jim Parker asks why some young people show no respect
This week I am putting my grumpy old fart’s hat on, but is it just me and the onset of a more mature age that has this terribly wrong or have some of our humans of a younger age and generation simply lost the plot?
Now before I continue with this rant I must emphasise that it is not aimed at everybody of a younger age. The majority are nice, respectful young people and give back in what is fast becoming a take-take world.
I have worked with hundreds of young people as a cricket coach over the last 30 years or so and have in the main enjoyed every minute. A huge part of that enjoyment is respect, earning their respect and vice-versa.
Big word, respect - it seems to have been lost on some.
I was prompted to awaken from my mid-morning nap (I don’t really have one) after reports of youngsters who definitely show no respect for others.
The first involves the Royal Lyceum Theatre and the Unleashed Theatre Company in Abbey Road, Torquay, and so-called Urban Explorers. Some are ‘professional’ and have permission to enter old buildings and explore., but I believe for others this is a new way of describing trespassers and intruders.
The ‘explorers’ made their way into the old theatre and former picture house and could even be seen on camera putting their feet up in the stalls with a bag of popcorn or what ever
Paul Martin, from the theatre, said: “I’m sure I am not the only town centre based business that is suffering from the potential hazard of this.
“I have had a look through many of the accounts on TikTok and can see that ‘Urban Explorers’ have ventured into many of the abandoned (and not quite abandoned buildings) Including the roof of Paignton Picture House which I struggle to believe was allowed, the old New Look, Debenhams and several hotels both prior and post fires.
“To my understanding there are professional Urban Explorers who seek permission from property owners to enter premises and upload content to social media, usually TikTok.
“However, this appears to have spawned an almost carte blanche approach to groups entering, without permission, premises and uploading what they find.
“In many of these videos/reels faces can be seen and account names are visible. In addition, linked comments can show intent from others to enter buildings and take what they can find.
“We have been victim to several video uploads of the storage area of the theatre, which isn’t accessible to the public and which incorrectly state that the building is abandoned/derelict.
“In several of these, it is clearly visible that lights are on and the building is occupied - however this does little to discourage.
“Since this time we have strengthened the rear access to the theatre yet have still been victim to several attempts which each time cause damage.
“We have made contact with many of the explorers who falsely state they have received permission from all property owners and when challenged on this they all state that the premises doors were open.
“I can’t believe they would explore a home on a busy housing estate if the front door was open.”
Torbay Council and the police only recently issued a warning to the so-called explorers that they were dicing with danger, if not worse, by entering these buildings.
Paul Martin says: “It is difficult to ignore the potential hazards of entering decaying buildings and accessing roof spaces for these people which is why it is vital to make contact with the business, who may be willing to oversee a legitimate exploration.
“At Unleashed, we now need to replace our original rear doors with steel ones in order to ensure the long-term security of the building.
“This is coming at a significant cost to the charity and is re-diverting funds from the gradual refurbishment and renovation of this community asset and arts & culture hub.
“It is a real hard pill to swallow for all the volunteers who invest so much time and effort raising money but is something that is not unavoidable due to the behaviour of a small group of people.
“The Royal Lyceum is a growing community hub and thrives on working with members from all cross sections of society, in a non judgemental and welcoming environment.
“We are happy to engage with anyone who shows a genuine interest in the history of the building and hope that groups within the community understand that this much loved space is not only occupied but a thriving community space.”
And then we have young motorbike menaces showing no respect for others elsewhere in Torquay.
Local Democracy reporter Guy Henderson has revealed how these people are scaring dog walkers in fields at Easterfield Lane in Torquay.
The problem was raised during a full meeting of Torbay Council by Cllr Kelly Harvey (Lib Dem, St Marychurch), who said people using the fields had reported motorcycle racing taking place there, causing danger to walkers and their dogs.
She wanted to know what action the council’s Anti-Social Behaviour Team had taken and what action was being planned to stop it happening.
Cabinet member Cllr Hayley Tranter (Con, Goodrington with Roselands) said the team had been working with SWISCo and local police to try to find a solution to the problem.
She said efforts were being made to prevent motorbikes gaining access to the fields without restricting access for other legitimate users.
She added: “Given the nature of the area and numerous points of access, this is not an easy task and there may not be a simple or cost-effective solution. One is yet to be identified.”
She said nobody had yet been identified to the ASBT to enable follow-up action by way of warnings. However, the team routinely liaises with police, and any leads will be followed up.
In the meantime, people are being encouraged to report motorcycles on the field to the police, who have the power to take action.
In previous incidents vandals smashed their way through gates put up at Easterfield Lane to protect the playing field from motorbike scramblers and quad bikes.
Dog walkers said they had been terrified while BMX riders had been forced off their own purpose-built track by the motorbike riders.
Local councillor Steve Darling (Lib Dem, Barton with Watcombe) said at the time: “It is sickening to see this wanton vandalism.”
These incidents are the extremes involving young people. As I say before the stick starts the majority are law-abiding and respectful, but wouldn’t it be great if there was an acknowledgement from a younger car driver or cyclist you have just let through, no queue-jumping or just a smile in this crazy world in which we live .
Now I am going back to that nap.