Community Affairs Article - Callon Community Centre

During the last two years the Callon Estate has been the scene of gangland shootings, armed robberies and drug dealing. James Illingworth investigates whether a new £1.5m community centre is the answer to Callon’s problems.

In July 2006, Shezan Umarji was stabbed 13 times and died in a pool of blood outside his family home in Fishwick Parade. Earlier this year, in the latest of a number of gun crime incidents, two men - aged 28 and 26 – were shot whilst walking through the Callon Estate.

In January, the Lancashire Evening Post reported that residents of the estate say it is now more dangerous than ever. On the LEP’s message board, one resident wrote:
“Get the innocent out of Callon, build a 60ft wall around it that is 16ft thick then put in all the gangs…let them sort out their own problems without affecting others.”

But there are some Callon residents who are battling to improve their estate. A community group led by members of Callon Kids Club and St. Theresa’s Church are ready to submit plans to build a two-storey, £1.5m community centre.

The new building will replace St. Theresa’s Parish Centre in Church Avenue, and will include a day centre, gym and bar.

“We are hoping to submit the plans early next year and are currently deciding how we can fund the project,” says Colin Makinson, the project leader and vice-chairman of Callon Kids Club.

If funding is found and the project is approved by the City Council, the centre will complete an extensive regeneration project which is taking place in Callon.

Mr. Makinson’s community project has already raised money to develop sporting facilities at St. Theresa’s Primary School and is planning a new fishing pond and bowling green in the area.

“Considering the millions which has been invested in the estate over the years it’s amazing that the area still lacks a purpose built facility for community activity. It could seriously enhance the current ‘offer’ for residents and help reduce poverty and crime,” says Fishwick Councillor Mr. Martyn Rawlinson.

But residents on the estate have a growing feeling that these measures could be too little too late for Callon’s disgruntled youths.

Kirsty Nicholson, 22, a single mum who grew up in Callon says: “The centre is a good idea if it gets kids off the streets but you’ve got to give them something to do, set activities and things like that. But at least it will stop them hanging round street corners and we won’t be intimidated when we walk down the street.”

Carla Fitzpatrick, 21, a single mum who lives in Brookfield, believes more should be done to educate Callon’s children so they will not turn to crime: “The centre won’t solve any of the things at the root of the issues if they don’t try to educate the kids. It won’t stop the gun crime or the drug dealing.”

St Theresa’s Church, who are heavily involved in the project, have witnessed at first hand the difficulties with living on the estate. Last year, Father Kevan Dorgan was advised to leave St. Theresa’s by the Police after his house was burgled.

The current priest at St Theresa’s, Father Tony Walsh, is enthusiastic about the project: “It is great news that with a new building we will be able to cater for everyone in the area. We are hoping that it will benefit not just the young but all ages.” (LEP)

Callon residents will be hoping that the project funding will allow Mr Makinson and his team to expand on the excellent work they already do in the community.

In June, Callon Kids Club received The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the equivalent to an MBE, and Mr Makinson is optimistic the community centre can be the answer to Callon’s problems.

“One of the main benefits of the centre is that it will create a lot of employment because it will take people to run it. The LEP are helping us with our campaign to get funding as now it’s all about raising awareness.”

“We’re getting there, but there’s still a long way to go.”