YOUTHS are being urged to meet parish councillors and police representatives in an effort to improve facilities for young people.

Young people between the ages of 11 and 17 from West Auckland, near Bishop Auckland, have been invited to a meeting next Thursday, in the village's Memorial Hall, at 2.30pm.

The idea behind the meeting is to find out what activities the young people of the village would like to become involved in, and what facilities they would like to have.

The beat officer for West Auckland, PC Andy Hucker, said: "We want as many young people to come along as possible. This meeting is about finding out what they want.

"At the moment, there are a lot of youths gathering in big groups and some of the residents find this intimidating.

"The parish council and us are willing to meet the youths half-way.

"There are facilities such as Outward Bound equipment that is barely being used, and we think it is about time we put it to good use.''

PC Hucker revealed that one of the village councillors was experienced in outdoor pursuits and was keen to help young people if that was what they wanted to do.

He said: "Obviously, this is not going to appeal to all of the youths in the village, but if we can get some on board then it is a start.

"It is about respect and improving the quality of life for both the community and the young people.''

Similar meetings have been held on the nearby Woodhouse Close estate and Rush Park, in Bishop Auckland, and both have been hailed a success.

Youths in those communities have enjoyed trips to the theatre or cinema and some have visited the Lake District on an outdoor pursuits weekend.

PC Hucker said: "The lady from the local youth club will be at the meeting, along with representatives of the parish council and myself. We want young people to see that we are approachable and easy to talk to, and we want them to see that there is more available to them than they think.''