BRIDGWATER'S police team has launched a new project in schools this week aimed at reducing Anti-Social Behaviour in the community.

Neighbourhood Beat Manager PC Claire Allan is leading the project and has already delivered workshops alongside youth intervention officer Mandy Forsey at Chilton Trinity School with Year 9 and 10 students.

The workshops look at what Anti-Social Behaviour is, how it can be perceived and how it can impact communities, and local neighbourhoods. It also explores the involvement Police can have when tackling Anti-Social Behaviour and highlighting the consequences that young people may face if they get involved in this type of crime.

PC Allan said: “I believe it’s really important to give young people the knowledge and opportunity to make positive choices, and this workshop is designed to do that.

"Throughout my time working within Bridgwater I have spoken with many people who have been victims of Anti-Social Behaviour and I know how much of a significant impact this can have on not only the individuals but surrounding communities.

"This project is unique to our area and these workshops have been created with young people in mind, they’re engaging and it will give students the chance to think about how their actions can affect others."

The team have also worked with students encouraging them to get involved practically by creating a video, which will be shown to other students at the school.

A local student named James Gardner, has been a keen driving force acting on behalf of his peers working very closely with Claire to help make the workshops engaging and interactive.

James said: “When I got involved with the project I was very excited as it was clearly a great opportunity.

"I’m glad I got to help with something I genuinely care about and am proud to be a part of it.”

Claire plans to carry out further workshops in local schools over the coming months; they include Robert Blake Science College, Haygrove School and Bridgwater College Academy.

It is estimated that 1,800 students in Year 9 and 10 will have received the workshops by the end of the year.