Teen dances 'improve community'

A series of dance nights for teenagers have reduced anti-social behaviour in Worcester, according to the organisers.

The council say the "Celler" sessions, held monthly at the Worcester Arts Workshop, have attracted up to 200 youngsters a time since September.

The nights are open only to 13 to 17-year-olds.

Council community worker Tracy Reck said reports of anti-social behaviour had "fallen to nothing" on the nights the dances are run.

'Long process'

She said: "They've been incredibly successful not only in attracting teenagers, but reducing disorder.

"Reports of anti-social behaviour in any of our neighbourhood areas have fallen to nothing on the nights they are run.

"The Celler has also been useful in building trust between the police and youth.

"An anti-social behaviour Pc and youth workers have helped run each night, slowly building relationships between the agencies and teenagers.

"It's a long process, but it's going very well."

The nights are a joint initiative between West Mercia Police and Worcester City Council.