ENTHUSIASTIC adult volunteers are desperately needed if a Crabbs Cross youth project is to get off the ground.

In April, Crabbs Cross beat officer Pc Richard Waterhouse launched a scheme to give youngsters the chance to have their say on what facilities or activities they would like introduced - from pool tournaments to meeting venues.

He came up with the idea after residents complained about persistant problems of antisocial behaviour on the streets. He thought the best way to combat this would be to start a project where the whole community could get involved and youngsters would be given a voice.

Pc Waterhouse said: "Many youngsters feel they're dictated to. They shouldn't be told what facilities and schemes should be created for them. If any scheme is going to work, youngsters must come up with their own good ideas."

However, he said unless adult volunteers came forward, the project would never become a reality.

"People have shown great interest in this project, especially the youngsters themselves, but people just aren't putting their names down to help.

"We've been pledged some cash from Crabbs Cross Neighbourhood Group but nothing will get off the ground unless volunteers come forward.

"They don't need experience working with youngsters but must be over 18, be free to give up one afternoon a week and live in the Crabbs Cross or Oaken-shaw areas."

For more details, call Pc Waterhouse on 08457 444 888 extension 3859.