Parents' fears over trick or treat
Wigan parents are turning against trick or treating as they fear for the safety of their children.
More than half of local mums and dads polled in a survey by the Children's Safety Education Foundation (CSEF) said they would not be allowing their children to trick or treat this Halloween.
The national charity asked parents for their opinions on Halloween in an online survey.
The findings show that 52% of parents would not allow their children to take part in the tradition, with 53% citing road safety issues and 43% highlighting anti-social behaviour as a concern. Other reasons included bullying, crime and under-age drinking.
Of the children allowed to trick or treat, 87% of these would be accompanied by an adult. And 52% of respondents said they would only allow their children to visit friends and neighbours that they know well.
Parents also stated that they felt it was more dangerous for children to trick or treat now than in the past, pointing to concerns about increased violence and knife crime.
Many more said that they were not comfortable with the practice because it was akin to begging and intimidating for older or vulnerable residents.
Patrick O'Malley, Head of Development of CSEF, said: "The results show that parents have a very real concern about safety during Halloween. Far from wanting to dampen spirits on the occasion, we are keen to help children have a safe and positive experience.
"It's encouraging to see that the vast majority of children who are going trick or treating will be doing so under supervision. This is key to a successful Halloween."
Click next page for more ...Judy Rowe, of Winstanley, said: "I have five grandchildren and they won't be going out without their parents.
"It's sad but it's just not safe anymore."
Michael Whatton, of Ince, said: "My kids are eight and nine and I wouldn't feel comfortable for them to be out on their own at Halloween. It's darker now and they need to be supervised."
Julie Jones, of Worsely Mesnes, said: "It's not safe for youngs kids to go trick or treating. My youngest is eight and he will only be going out if he is supervised."
Shelley Thompson, of Wigan, said: "I would allow my son to go trick or treating but only if I took him. Instead we are going to a supervised party where I know he will be safe."
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Weather for Wigan
Thursday 02 September 2010
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 8 C to 22 C
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Sunny spells
Temperature: 9 C to 20 C
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