SOUTH Oxfordshire District Council has funded a youth worker for Didcot, to get young people aged from 11 to 18 off the streets and away from antisocial behaviour.

Karen Williams is now working for Didcot Train, a charity for young people who are homeless or have other difficult circumstances. As part of her work, she will lead a special South Oxfordshire Community Safety Partnership project to engage with 14 to 18-year-old young women over the next six months.

Through activities such as nail painting and cookery, she will discuss the dangers of drug and alcohol misuse.

Jane Murphy, chairman of the partnership and cabinet member for community safety at South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse district councils, said: “It is a key priority for us to tackle anti-social behaviour and the new youth worker will play a big part in cutting crime.

“Didcot is a thriving town, but we need to ensure there’s plenty to keep young people occupied.”