MEMBERS of Peterlee’s neighbourhood police team have claimed success in their bid to reduce anti-social behaviour through a programme of initiatives to engage young people.

Initiatives spearheaded by Peterlee NPT Inspector Lee Blakelock include youth provisions funded by Durham County Council and Peterlee Town Council, the installation of a community garden in Woodhouse Park, and the targeting of specific behavioural complaints made by members of the public.

Inspector Blakelock said: “Community policing is about more than just locking people up and telling them off. That might mask a problem in the short term, but we’re looking to solve problems in the long term.

“We’re doing that with our three E’s – Engage, Educate and Enforce.”

One scheme, called The Project, run by Groundworks North East, sees under-18s attend hour-long sessions educating on topics from alcohol and drugs to sexual health and sexual exploitation.

Following the sessions, there are games of table tennis, pool, and other activities available. Around 50 young people are attending each of these sessions.

Another has youngsters taking responsibility for their own flower beds and vegetable patches in the new Woodhouse Park community garden.

The garden, which will be officially opened on Thursday July 12 at 1pm, will produce a crop that will be grown, harvested and donated by the youngsters to local foodbanks and care homes.

This not only teaches them about gardening, but engages them in worthwhile activities that can give back to the community.

The work so far has already seen a reduction in anti-social behaviour.

Olivia Ward, 15, of Peterlee, has been taking part in a pilot scheme to introduce her to the world of construction by repairing damage caused by anti-social behaviour.

Insp Blakelock said: “Of course, some people will cause trouble regardless of our efforts, and we’ll continue to enforce against this.

“In particular, we’ve been working hard to identify those responsible for throwing stones at moving vehicles, and as a result nineteen young people have been seen and warned in front of their parents.

“Some of these children have been placed on anti-social behaviour contracts, and will be engaging in our stronger families programme.”

Many of these schemes are being carried out in collaboration with local partners Durham County Council, Peterlee Town Council, East Durham Housing Group and Groundworks North East.

To highlight the positive work being achieved by young people in the town, an awards evening was held last month to honour ten inspirational youths. The Peterlee Young Heroes Award will be an ongoing initiative to reward community stars.

If you would like to be involved in any of these projects, you can participate by getting in touch through the Peterlee Police Facebook page.