The Isle of Wight’s Community Safety Partnership (CSP) is urging teenagers to stay safe following a serious accident in Newport recently, which has resulted in Police stepping up patrols in the area.
As first reported by Island Echo, a young male was airlifted to Southampton General Hospital following a fall equivalent to 4 storeys into the disused Shide chalk pit. The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance was called alongside a number of other emergency services.
During the recent warm weather, teenagers have been congregating at areas such as the chalk pit.
Councillor Tig Outlaw, Cabinet member for Community Safety and Public Protection, said:
“Our Island has lots of beautiful spots and children and young people visiting areas like this after school during the warm weather is nothing new but I would urge them to be aware of the potential fall hazards areas like this contain.
“I understand that places such as this are extremely attractive to youngsters to ‘hang’ about in, especially in the warm summer evenings at the end of term but the reality is these locations are extremely difficult for the emergency services to access due to the terrain, should an accident happen. The CSP would also like to thank the emergency and police services for their swift response in the recent incident.”
Superintendent Sarah Jackson, Isle of Wight District Police Commander, said:
“Luckily, the youngster who fell is recovering well but it could so easily have been far more serious. Regular patrols will be taking place in the area and will continue to do so over the summer holidays.
Article continues below this advertisement “We are urging youngsters to stay safe around the Island’s open spaces and are highlighting the risks of congregating in these areas. We have been in contact with Newport College, Medina College and Christ the King college who have put a safety message out during their school assemblies to pupils.”
To report antisocial behaviour contact the Police on 101; contact the council via the website at https://www.iwight.com/Council/OtherServices/Community-Safety-Services/Contact or in an emergency dial 999. To report any crime call 101.
Kids have been climbing there for yrs,both my sons who are in their 40’s and my husband whose in his 80’s said he did as well,can’t see that’s going to stop now,yes it is dangerous and they shouldn’t do it but they did,hope the boy who fell is ok and doesn’t do it again.
I agree, we go there all the time as we live just behind the chalk pit. Maybe some common sense and workshop for young children would help, to u derstand the risks. Maybe also some signs arou d the pit to warn not to get close the the edge of sinilar. We get more concerned about drug users, rubbish and needles frequently left around the sight. A police presence will be temperary, something more permanent and long term