Youth project 'helping cut crime'

The project aims to steer youngsters away from drinking

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill has hailed a local project which is keeping youngsters off the streets.

He was speaking ahead of a visit to the Oval project in Prestwick, Ayrshire, which is said to have helped cut crime by a quarter over the last year.

The project aims to steer teenagers in the area away from drinking and vandalism by encouraging them to take up sports.

Mr MacAskill said such initiatives helped young people and communities.

Activities at the Oval, Prestwick's main area of open space, include biking, athletics and football.

The project was set up by police and the South Ayrshire Community Safety Partnership to deal with youth anti-social behaviour in the area.

Youth disorder

"The majority of our young people are well behaved and a credit to their communities, but the devil finds work for idle hands," said Mr MacAskill.

"The diversionary projects led by police in Ayrshire are a great example of how giving youngsters the chance to take part in activities has benefitted not just them but their community."

Supt John Hazlett, of Strathclyde Police, added: "The diversionary activities highlighted are just some of the ongoing initiatives aimed at targeting youth disorder, a topic very much at the forefront of the Ayrshire division's work."