Nottinghamshire Police Commissioner Paddy Tipping has backed the continued work of Positive Futures in the Hawtonville estate in Newark, one of the headline schemes of the Trent Bridge Community Trust.

Visiting during a busy programme of half-term events, Tipping was treated to circus skills organised by the scheme which falls under the umbrella of the Trent Bridge Community Trust.

“This programme is working to improve an area with a reputation,” the 64-year-old said.

“We’re starting to see the young people in the area, those at risk of crime and antisocial behaviour given a fighting chance to improve their lives.”

Nottinghamshire police are getting better at catching criminals, chasing them and catching them.

“What I want them to do now is to work with partners like Positive Futures to prevent crime.

“If we can prevent crime it’s good for the victims, its good for the environment and its good for the young people involved.”

The Positive Futures scheme in Hawtonville is an extension of the work done in Rushcliffe, aiming to combat juvenile crime and work to integrate previously marginalised elements of the community.

“It has been difficult to prove to some local people that we’re not a threat in their community,” added Mandy Wright, Positive Futures Co-ordinator.

“Slowly but surely, we’re breaking down barriers, and are gaining their trust.”

Currently, Positive Futures offer one-to-one support for 20 young people in Hawtonville, and have engaged with approaching 100 since the centre opened in June 2013. For Wright, the progress has been steady but results are beginning to show.

“Every day we see a small change in a young person or group,” she said.

The public perception of the young people needed changing, and I think we’ve shattered the illusion.

“The fact that the young people from settled traveller communities come here and engage with us is a huge stepping stone in building bridges, and it’s something we’ll build on.

“We now have children that normally wouldn’t be seen in the same room playing together naturally, so we’re breaking down barriers between families and improving their lives. That’s what this project stands for.”

For more information, visit the Trent Bridge Community Trust micro-site here.