More funding for successful motorbike project

A motorbike project for young people that helped reduce anti-social behaviour over the summer will continue at half-term thanks to extra funding.

The project took place in Chattenden, Medway, in the South East neighbourhood. It originally came about following complaints and concern from local residents about anti-social behaviour and young people loitering on street corners.

In response to these concerns L&Q and Medway Council decided to fund a project that would appeal to young people in the area.

Twelve young people learned about motorbike maintenance, including stripping down, rebuilding and spraying a bike. There was also a module on health and safety and hazard awareness training to encourage them to think about road safety. At the end of the course, to celebrate their success, the group had a trip to a local motocross track.

Lyn Colman, Tenancy Services Officer, said: "The project has made a positive impact in the area. Residents have noticed a decrease in anti-social behaviour in the area and now that young people have somewhere to go they are less likely to hang around the street causing problems."

L&Q and Medway Council are now putting further funding into the project so it can continue during half-term at the end of October.