'Youths in worst anti-social zone need more to do'

Locals in an area with the worst anti-social behaviour in Walsall have called for further provision to get young people off the streets.

Stephenson Square, in Beechdale, had the highest number of reports for antisocial behaviour across the whole borough in 2025, Walsall Borough Council said.

The council received eight reports from the area between January and December, but one councillor believes the figure is far higher.

Tina Jukes, ward member for Birchills Leamore which includes Beechdale, says under-reporting of incidents means the picture of what is going on is not properly reflected.

Nearby Priestley Road, Chester Road in Streetly and Coronation Avenue in Willenhall, was the area with the second highest problem, each with four reports for 2025, the figures show.

Jukes did however, say that she thinks there have been improvements over the last six months.

The Labour councillor, who is shadow portfolio holder for children's services, said: "People say the kids are feral but it's not every child, it's just a handful.

"It has quietened down a bit, so fingers crossed."

But there have been continuing problems, she said.

"The doors at the centre were smashed into not so long ago," she explained.

"The over 60s don't feel like coming out at night because they don't feel safe [and] some of the shops shut earlier because people don't come out at night.

"It seems to have improved. We had a police meeting once. They asked what I wanted, I told them their presence will do. They are a small team but they're doing their best."

Bill Dhillon, one of the shop owners on the avenue, said: "We've been and not had any problems. We close at 4pm, maybe that makes a difference. Sometimes kids mess about but we've never had any big problems.

"They could do with more activities for the kids to do around here, they've got nothing to do. If there's nothing for them to do they'll mess around."

Theresa Walker, a staff member at a community shop on the precinct, said she was not shocked that the area got the highest number but did see improvements.

"The kids, they don't bother us but at Morrisons they've had a terrible time. The kids run in, help themselves and go out.

I don't know what the shop owners can do.

A council spokesperson said the authority has worked in partnership with Stephenson Square, community safety, community protection, police and housing associations, to identify and talk to those involved with anti-social behaviour.

"This has resulted in a noticeable improvement. The area will continue to be included in police patrols with partner organisations in constant contact to monitor issues and report concerns," the said.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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