A new report into the problem has revealed a link between a lack of facilities and bad behaviour so the community is rallying round plans to keep teenagers off the streets.

Dersingham Parish Council last week voted unanimously to support proposals for a new multi-use games area (MUGA) at the Holyrood Drive recreation ground and there are plans to start a youth forum to keep youngsters involved.

Increasing reports of bad behaviour in the area prompted a special investigation, called a SARA analysis, which showed there were no reports of anti-social behaviour when teenagers had facilities to keep them busy.

The MUGA proposals are the result of work carried out by a number of organisations, including West Norfolk Council, Norfolk Police, landowners and Hanover Sheltered Housing, as well as young people in the area.

Mr Luke Cox, a community safety project development officer with the borough council, said: “Our aim is to work with communities to resolve issues surrounding anti-social behaviour.

“We were keen to take on board how young people felt about the situation and believe it is important their voice is listened to along with others in the community.

“What they told us was consistent with the evidence the SARA analysis delivered. The next stage is to secure funding for the project and keep young people involved in the dialogue by creating a youth forum.”

Ward councillor Roy Johnston, chairman of Dersingham Parish Council, said: “It’s really important to engage young people in tackling issues that affect their community.

“The multi-use games area will provide a facility for young people to use, reducing the conflicts which arise when young people end up using street spaces for ball games and to gather and socialise.”

Councillor David Harwood, cabinet member for community, added: “I am fully supportive of such a move and say well done to Dersingham Parish Council for the forward thinking strategy to involve the youth of the area.”

daisy.wallage@lynnnews.co.uk