CHIPPENHAM’S new community youth officer is urging anyone who fears anti-social behaviour to do something positive.

Richard Williams has 25 years’ experience working with young people, the last nine in Wiltshire, and was team leader of the disbanded Chippenham Youth Work Team.

Chippenham lost all of its youth workers apart from Mr Williams back in October, when budget cuts put the onus for organising youth services onto communities.

Part of the new approach to youth activities in Wiltshire relies on volunteering, but in the past few months Mr Williams said he has not seen a huge influx of support.

So far, Guy Britton and Tom Mallard have set up Riverbank Studios as a Community Interest Company and members of Genshin Kai School of Martial Arts have come forward to run a self-defence session in the same venue.

Last month the police asked Wiltshire Council for improved lighting and CCTV outside the Olympiad following complaints from staff of young people congregating outside the plant room doors.

Mr Williams said: “The reason some of those young people are hanging out there is because they need somewhere warm to go. These people need to get their voice heard and I’m sure the LYN (Local Youth Network) is in a position to help.”

The youths, said to be aged 14 to 16, were alleged to have been drinking alcohol, fighting and setting fire to debris.

Mr Williams said: “I don’t think there is a significant anti-social behaviour problem in Chippenham. There is a problem in every community, but compared to other places I’ve worked in the Chippenham community is very positive and that is reflected in the young people.”

To people who fear anti-social behaviour may grow as a result of youth service cuts, he said: “Get involved and make something positive happen.”

The LYN is considering projects that support positive activities for young people and will make recommendations for funding to the Area Board. Chippenham’s youth fund balance until the end of March is £20,260.

The LYN’s steering group is made up of Wiltshire Council, Chippenham Borough Lands Charity, Chippenham Partnership of Schools, Wiltshire College, GreenSquare Housing, Chippenham and Villages Area Partnership, Churches Together and two young people representatives.

Mr Williams is keen to also see young women represented on the steering group.

To volunteer to help, email richard.williams@wiltshire.gov.uk