POLICE are considering installing a pedal-powered youth shelter as part of ongoing attempts to tackle anti- social behaviour in a North-East town centre.

Energy for lighting and a Bluetooth music player is generated by a hand crank within the unit and officers believe it will help combat ongoing problems associated with youngsters in Stanley, County Durham.

Sergeant Dave Clarke hopes the state-of-the-art kinetic energy ‘pod’ will offer teenagers, who congregate at Stanley Bus Station, an alternative place to meet.

He said: “It would be away from residents and the young people can link their phones to it and play their own tunes through speakers.

“We are looking at ways to reduce anti-social behaviour and damage in the town centre to make a nicer place for residents and people who want to use it.

“There is not a magic wand and it is not going to happen overnight so we need to work with what we can. This could solve the problem.”

For a decade, the £4.2m bus station, which opened in 2005, has been a magnet for young people in the town centre as it offers seating in a warm and light environment.

But passengers have expressed concerns that the presence of large groups of loud teenagers can be intimidating.

In 2006, classical music was piped in to deter youngsters from hanging around, but the strategy was abandoned as it failed to work and merely annoyed nearby residents.

Police are now looking to secure £20,000 in funding from councils and community groups for the youth shelter.

It is considering a model from Pontefract-based specialist Sutcliffe Play and looking for suitable town centree sites.

Lisa Dillon, from Sutcliffe Play, said: “The pod helps children understand, through creativity and play, how power can be created in a way that is kind to the environment.

“As the system requires physical exertion, the pod also gets children active and helps them keep fit in the process.”

A Friday night youth club launched last spring at Christine’s Cafe on Front Street has since moved to The Tommy Armstrong Centre and is attended by up to 45 young people aged 11-18.

It has been so successful organisers are now looking to open on Saturday nights as well.

Members have organised an alcohol-free rave night at Stanley Civic Hall on Saturday, January 25 from 6.30pm-10pm, with entry costing £1.50.

Sgt Dave Clarke said: “There will be professional security and no drink or drugs.

“This is what they have said they want and they have organised it themselves.

“They are nice kids really when you sit down and talk to them.”