Scheme to cut truancy launched

The scheme aims to raise attendance in schools

A strategy to cut truancy and crime rates in Weston-super-Mare has been launched with the aim of improving opportunities for young people.

The Miss Out Mess Up campaign hopes to raise school attendance, reduce anti-social behaviour during school hours and tackle drug problems.

The project also aims to encourage adults in the community to support children in their school attendance.

The scheme is being run by the council and the neighbourhood police team.

Claire Sketchley, a community support officer (PCSO) with the North Somerset neighbourhood police team, said: "Anti-social behaviour has been identified by our community as one of their priorities, and we've taken steps to do something about this problem.

"We're not suggesting that all young people will be up to no good if they're not in school, however school does provide a safe and stable environment for children to make friends, learn and develop as people."

Local businesses have also been asked to support the project. James Deacon, from the Local Convenience store in St Andrew's Parade on the Bourneville estate, said: "We fully support the scheme. Being in school when you are supposed to be is really important and that is why we are behind this idea."

The scheme will initially run for a three-month period but there is already interest in introducing it to other parts of the community.