Youngsters battle to beat yobs

Young people in Burntwood are being given the chance to explain what they want to see in the area as part of moves to tackle anti-social behaviour in the town.

Consultation is currently under way to involve teenagers in shaping the future of leisure activities in the town for young people after police and residents raised concerns about a lack of facilities.

It comes amid reports up to 50 young people were gathering at locations including Swan Island, Redwood Park and the Ryecroft Shopping Centre.

A small number were getting involved in anti-social behaviour but officials were keen to provide better facilities for them all.

Staffordshire County Council is leading the project to provide alternatives to hanging around on the town's streets.

Julie Aleksejuk, a youth worker for the council's Staffordshire Youth Service, is leading the Burntwood Youth Partnership Project.

She said: "Burntwood's young people need something to do, that's the bottom line here.

"This partnership project came out of concerns raised by the police, not to mention people living in the town, that there is a real issue with a lack of activities for young people."

The partnership is currently involved in a wide-ranging consultation with young people to give them a voice.

County councillor Eric Drinkwater, cabinet support member for lifelong learning, said: "We can't guarantee to build a skate park or an ice rink, as these things cost thousands of pounds.

"However, this is a genuine attempt to get young people to level with us and maybe, at the end of it all, we can help each other."

The consultation will end with a youth day at Burntwood Youth Centre, Cherry Close, on April 4 between 11am and 4pm. It will feature a marquee, food stands, use of the skate park, a non-alcoholic cocktail bar, dancing activities, breakdancing, and more.