Beating youth crime through community involvement is the aim of Waddon's new Homebeat officer PC Peter McHugh.

PC McHugh has already been busy making his face known since he took over from his popular predecessor Andy Reid in June. And like Andy he is hoping to make a big impact in the war against crime through sport and leisure.

He told the Guardian: "Like any other divisional police officer my role will be about reacting to needs of the public and it is very important that I am known in and around the area.

"It is a small community area and that presents a phenomenally good challenge and though the idea of using leisure to combat crime is not a new idea, it is a great start from which to work.

"It is all about the right people doing the right things in the right way.

"Many of the problems can be traced back to a lack of opportunity and in Waddon's case a lack of facilities. Young people who have nothing to do need organisations to help and I am hoping to get multi-agency investment to tackle some of the problems

"A lot of people have already said they want to help and once the youngsters start achieving things whether it be in sport or other activities it gives them a focus."

If you can help or want to find out more about the project call 0181 649 0213.

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