Pete Widdows (61) believes efforts to target teenagers through the Safer Neighbourhood Team would be better spent on creating a safe environment where young people can meet away from the pressures of parents and school.

He has already held productive discussions with PCSOs Sandi Child and Carole Leathersich and now wants volunteers to come forward and help put a scheme in place for the youth of the village.

Mr Widdows, of Sandringham Drive, said: "I can quite appreciate that elderly residents, especially those who 'retire to the seaside' from outside the area, might be disturbed and want their peace and quiet, or they are upset when reality perhaps does not match up to their expectations.

"I would however point out that Heacham is quite a vibrant village, with two schools, a number of pubs and a post office.

"It would not be so if the young people did not form part of village life. There are enough dying villages near here where the schools and the post offices have gone, without adding another.

"All credit to village sporting teams and other organisations, all of whom do a grand job, but for many young people, organisation is the killer word.

"They do not want to be organised – just to have somewhere warm, dry and comfortable to meet their mates, chill out and generally relax away from mum and dad and the pressures of school.

"They also need somewhere that is safe. Heacham does not offer them anything like that."

Mr Widdows has a strong background of working with young people, having spent 38 years as a teacher while working with the Duke of Edinburgh Award, sports teams and karate clubs.

He has also served as a youth and scout leader and has helped organise On Yer Bike motorcycling courses and MiniMoto teams.
Mr Widdows said he would be prepared to offer his time to a youth project in Heacham, as are PCSOs Child and Leathersich, but they need a venue and more adult volunteers.

If you are interested in helping, ring Mr Widdows on 01485 570699, or contact PCSO Child or Leathersich, at Hunstanton Police Station, on 0845 456 4567.