CALNE'S successful Streetwork project aimed at helping vulnerable youngsters has been grounded because organisers have struggled to find staff, despite funds from the town council to hire a second youth worker.

Streetwork was set up in 1999 in response to concern from town councillors, the public and police about what young people were doing on the streets late at night.

It aimed to target those deemed to be at risk of falling into drug and alcohol abuse.

A pair of street workers spent two evenings a week, from 6pm to 10pm, walking around Calne talking to groups of youngsters and raising awareness about the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse.

The two workers also provided support and information about other issues relevant to young people such as jobs and home life.

But the scheme's workers operated as a pair and the project stalled 18 months ago when one left and a replacement could not be found.

But project co-ordinator Peter Kallmeier, supervisor of the Calne Youth Club, in Priestley Grove, said he did not know why people were not responding to advertisements and appealed for anyone interested in working with young people to come forward.

So far the project has been a great success.

After the street workers hit the town in December 1999, they quickly identified areas where youngsters congregated in the winter and later in the summer.

While the project was in operation there were less calls to the police from townspeople complaining about nuisances caused by youngsters.

Mr Kallheimer said: "You never know what you're to find so from that respect the job is going to be interesting, although some work can be planned.

"Workers may have agreed to meet some young people, but there's also the bumping into element and that depends on the weather and where young people are likely to be.

"There's going to be at least one person on the streets of Calne during the evening who they can relate to and be a confidant. They're there for any young person that wants to speak to them."

Calne town councillor John Watkins said: "It's one of those things that's vital for the town.

"The support and advice that the street workers can provide the young people with is without worth, its invaluable.

"The problem they have had recruiting is sad although I don't think it's insurmountable it goes right across youth work, not just the street workers.

"But the town council is right behind this project and we realise it is a vital part of the ongoing development of the town."

Similar projects exist in Trowbridge, Chippenham and Wootton Bassett.

Anyone interested in working in the scheme should call Mr Kallheimer on (01249) 812509.