An initiative to tackle the problems of teenage pregnancies, prostitution and drug addiction, has been set up in Park South.

Youth workers who help to run the advice point for young people, say the Parks area of Swindon has a serious problem with all three of these issues.

It is hoped that by providing a confidential environment for youngsters to talk to someone, the numbers of teenagers experiencing problems will fall.

Val Newell, one of the youth workers helping to run the advice point, said: "There is already one organisation in the area, Stepping Forward, which deals with teenage drug addicts and prostitutes, and they are inundated. The figures for things like teenage pregnancies, prostitution and drug addiction is very high in the area."

The advice sessions, which are open to all young people, are held at Parks Advice Point, Cavendish Square, Park South, from 3.30pm to 5.30pm every Tuesday with the hope to extend these hours in the future.

Miss Newell said: "Teenagers will be able to come to us for emergency pregnancy tests, free contraception and advice on sexual health matters.

"But they will also be able to come to us to find out things like when the local bus runs into town, how to claim benefits, how to write a CV we will help them with whatever they want to know."

The youth advice point is being run for an initial six month period, to allow youth workers to see what the problems are and how they can meet the needs of youngsters in the area.

A joint initiative between the Wiltshire and Swindon Health Care Trust and the youth organisation Confide, there will be four specially trained workers on hand each Tuesday to help with a range of issues.

The centre would also like to hear from anyone willing to volunteer at the centre. Anyone interested can ring Ms Newell on Swindon 487934.