Scheme in Kidderminster to keep youths off the streets

Mar 5 2008 By Ben Hurst

POLICE have launched an innovative scheme in Kidderminster aiming to help youths find activities to do in the evenings to keep them out of trouble.

Officers say the initiative comes in response to complaints from young people that there is nothing for them to do.

The fortnightly drop-in surgery is being run by community support officer Vanessa Halford at Kidderminster Library.

The PACT is open to anyone who wishes to discuss issues relating to the town centre, but is particularly aimed at under 19s.

CSO Halford said: "The most regular complaint we receive from young people is that there is nothing for them to do in the evenings.

"This is where I can help by providing information on, for example, where they can have band practices or organise small gigs, where to go other than the library to use the internet, where they can play Playstation games or watch DVDs, or how they can take part in cookery or art sessions."

The first meeting has been arranged for next Wednesday, from 5pm to 7pm, and the next one will be on Wednesday March 26, from noon until 2pm. Further dates can be obtained from the library.

CSO Halford is also organising a disability PACT for anyone who is unable to attend a regular PACT meeting because the access, time or location proving difficult.

Monthly meetings will be held at Connect, Blackwell Street. Residents can come in to discuss any issues they have with the area they live in.

CSO Halford will then pass the issue to the relevant sector Local Policing Team who will be their voice and bring up the issue at the next PACT meeting.

Dates and times are to be confirmed but more details can be obtained from the Connect offices.