A NEW approach to tackling juvenile nuisance is being launched in Darwen involving police, young people and youth workers.

Two officers from Lancashire Constabulary have been working closely with youths in the town to try and tackle juvenile nuisance calls on Friday nights.

Local residents who made calls to the police on Friday, November 21, received a follow-up call explaining what action had been taken in response to their complaint.

In a number of cases, the young people had moved on before the team of police and youth workers had arrived but in the majority of cases the young people were talked to and an explanation was given as to why the complaint had been made.

The young people told the team they felt there was not enough to do in Darwen at the weekend and that they felt that their voices often went unheard.

A meeting was arranged for last night at Sudellside Community Centre to give the young people a chance to have their say about what they want to see taking place at weekends.

Tracy Scott, project manager for Youth Works, the communit run by environmental organisation, Groundwork, said: "This is an innovative idea that we aim to continue on a regular basis to allow both young people and the local community to see that action is being taken to try to come to some sort of a compromise, which we hope will suit everybody.

"The young people are often moved on from area to area and feel that there is nowhere out of the way to go.

"Our main concern is for the safety of these young people and rather than forcing them to go off to unlit, remote areas we need to encourage them in to stay in smaller groups in well-lit areas"

Inspector Stuart Cameron, of the community safety department at Blackburn Police, said: "We are keen to be involved in any initiative aimed at reducing juvenile nuisance and appreciate there are sometimes misunderstandings between the actions of young people and the wider community. We are keen to meet the needs of young people to ensure that the levels of juvenile nuisance are reduced."

Youth Works aims to harness the young people's energy and creativity through activities such as sport, art, music, drama and IT.

"They believe that including young people in neighbourhood regeneration is one of the most effective ways of dealing with issues of juvenile crime and nuisance. Youth Works works closely with those from eight to 21, as well as local communities, agencies, voluntary groups and businesses to achieve sustainable outcomes.

It listens to what young people want, develops relationships, works closely in partnership with other local agencies, delivers local projects and helps people make changes happen.