A DEDICATED new team of youth workers are taking to the streets of Crook to discover what youngsters think about their town.

The Detached Youth Project consists of senior youth worker Kat Bateman, 23, along with project workers Laura Mellis, 21, and Michael Dixon, 24 who started their new roles last week.

Miss Bateman said: "The project is called Detached because we go out on the streets and speak directly to the youths, finding out what their views are on the area and what they would like doing.

"It is early days and we are still establishing ourselves but we have lots planned such as a youth panel, a trip to Flamingo Land, establishing a new website and producing a what's good about Crook video."

"We will also be joining forces with the Glenholme Youth Project which hosts various weekly events for children and teenagers."

The project has received 2,500 funding from Wear Valley District Council's Neighbourhood Regeneration Fund and 2,500 from the Wheatbottom and Helmington Row Sustainable project (Wahsp) network fund which will be used to finance all activities.

Andrew Hall, chairman of Crook Community Partnership said: "Having three dedicated youth workers, who are all local to the area will offer a very interesting and flexible approach to working with the youngsters and organisations.

"This cannot be anything but good news for Crook."

The group are holding a barbecue this Wednesday behind the Crook Community Partnership Office in Hope Street starting at 5pm until 8pm. All youths from the area are invited to attend so they can meet the new workers and discuss any issues they may have.

Ms Mellis said: "I am looking forward to working closely with the youths in Crook, I grew up here so hopefully my knowledge of the area will come in useful when deciding what things can be done."

If you would like to contact the project email k.batemancdyp@gmail.com or call 01388-765927.