A TEAM of youth workers have descended onto the streets of Wooburn Green and Bourne End in an attempt to reach out to teenagers with time on their hands.

The workers, employed by Buckinghamshire County Council, only recently started work after Wooburn and Bourne End Parish council opted to tackle antisocial behaviour at "ground level" back in January.

And, though it is in its early stages, workers have already hit the ground running to try and establish links with disaffected youths.

Stella Voaden, one of the workers from the Wycombe Area Youth Service, said: "We are working with many young people who are hanging around on the streets to offer activities and projects.

"We carry around art equipment and footballs, and hopefully at some stage we will develop some positive projects with them to work on and develop."

The idea behind the "detached" or "outreach" youth workers is that they approach youths on the streets as opposed to having a designated indoor meeting place.

They are currently inviting teenagers to play games or do some art on Tuesdays in Blind Lane, Bourne End, and in Wooburn Green on Mondays from 7pm to 9pm.

However, some parents have claimed they were not sufficiently informed the workers were around, and, as a result, were concerned for their children's safety when approached by them in the streets.

Mark Sealey, operations manager for the service, said: "An approach for a detached worker is not to put leaflets through doors because that is time consuming.

"The normal approach is to get to know the young people on the streets.

"There was publicity in the local press informing the community they would be around."

He added: "I am pleased that adults are watching out and we will discuss anything with parents."

Mr Sealey also said that the workers wear identity cards at all times so that they are recognisable.

For further information call the service on 01494 452226