CHIPPENHAM NEWS: AN ACTION-packed day of fun activities is to be held in Corsham in a bid to tackle antisocial behaviour in young people.

Offences have rocketed in the town in the past few months, with the parents of 32 teenagers receiving police warning letters and five receiving police visits.

Now a £1,000 has been set aside for a youth festival in an attempt to encourage teens to take up new hobbies.

Young people in Corsham and the surrounding are are being invited to sample activities such as drumming, body combat, squash, badminton, rock climbing, kayaking, dance and sculpting in the Springfield Community Centre and Leisure Centre on May 14.

Maggie Giddings, development coordinator for Youth Action Wiltshire, who is organising the event with Helen McNally from Corsham's Youth Development Centre, said: "What we want to do is showcase a lot of what is going on in Corsham already and we want to give them the opportunity to try new things.

"There appeared to be a problem with young people and antisocial behaviour and we wanted to do something constructive."

They are hoping at least 200 young people will turn up and plan to provide transport for those living in the villages.

The idea sprung from meetings between police, young people, youth organisations and councillors.

Inspector Dave Cullop of Corsham Police said: "We are concerned with the increased reports of antisocial behaviour in the Corsham area and we are very pleased that our partner agencies are working with us and one of the initiatives is the youth festival where they hope to engage with the local young people to identify activities that they wish to pursue."

The day is aimed at secondary school pupils and organisers are also keen to attract volunteers to help out with youth activities in the town.

More information is available from Youth Action Wiltshire on (01380) 720681.