North East Lincolnshire Council will receive £790,000 to help tackle youth crime over the next three years thanks to a new government support scheme across England and Wales.The funding is a major milestone in the youth crime action plan, which launched in July. It aims to tackle youth crime through a comprehensive strategy involving early prevention, non-negotiable support and tough enforcement.

All parts of England will be offered the funding to boost the drive to tackle youth crime, but 69 areas, including North East Lincolnshire, are being offered £700,000 for intensive action over the next three years, with an immediate cash injection of £90,000 available to each local authority this year.

Key measures include:

• Using safeguarding laws to remove young people at risk from the streets at night
• Building street-based teams of youth workers and ex-gang members to tackle groups of young people involved in crime and disorder
• Increasing visible police patrols during after-school hours
• Expanding family intervention projects to respond more effectively to families at risk
• Providing positive activities for young people
• Placing youth offending team workers in police stations so that young offenders can be dealt with and directed to the most appropriate service at the earliest opportunity

Lib Dem Councillor Steve Beasant, portfolio holder for communities and neighbourhoods, said: “This cash will build upon the excellent work already being carried out by the council’s community care team and Safer Communities to engage youngsters and give them the empowerment to make positive choices that will improve their prospects and confidence.

“Whether its working with the youngsters who sometimes fall between the cracks through our excellent family intervention project or by providing diversionary activities, this cash reflects our drive and desire to achieve excellence within North East Lincolnshire, and leave a positive legacy for future generations.”

Tony Hunter, chief executive of North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “‘The council is determined to tackle youth crime and improve the quality of life for young people, families and communities. This money will help tackle youth crime by addressing both the causes of offending and offering the right support to help young people get their lives back on track.”

In my opinion this new cash award will make an enourmous difference to the quality of life for many of the people in N E Lincs.  As I speak to people all over the Borough it is clear that one of the most important issues for people of all ages includes the matter of youth crime, and the provision of positive activities for young people.  This new money will help us to address this problem, and make life better for all of us.