For many years, the Golden Valley was one of Folkestone's main antisocial behaviour hot spots. There was minor vandalism, harassment, graffiti, abusive behaviour and alcohol-related crime. Residents were particularly concerned about young people congregating in an alleyway behind their homes.
Despite the implementation of a police dispersal zone, these problems persisted. "There was nowhere else to go," says 19-year-old Rachel Cole.
"The alleyway might have been a bit dirty but at least it was somewhere to hang out."
After looking at a range of solutions, Shepway District Council held a meeting with young people, other residents, the police and local housing provider Southern Housing Group at council chambers in August last year.
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