Efforts are being made to build bridges between young people and older residents in Wigton following widespread concerns about youth anti-social behaviour in the town.

Over recent months there's been an increased police presence in the town after officers and civic leaders were plagued with complaints about low-level crime.

Much of the blame has been laid at the door of teenagers, a theory many youngsters in the town who have not been involved in any trouble are trying to quash.

To listen to young people's concerns and other ideas, Alan Pitcher, a town and Allerdale councillor, met with a group from Wigton Youth Station.

Mr Pitcher said: "It was very constructive and a very interesting meeting, youngsters had a lot to say.

"A lot of it comes down to some of them being bored and some think they are getting a bad press from some sections of society.

"Some feel as though they are the victims of this because they hang around in groups.

"Everyone is aware we have anti-social behaviour problems in Wigton and they wanted to put across to me their concerns and feel as though they are being heard.

"There are other people [apart from youngsters] who cause anti-social behaviour issues but they feel they have been targeted.

"When you sit and listen to them you can understand that."

Mr Pitcher believes the issue will only be solved if townsfolk come together.

"This can't just be led by the town council or someone like the North Allerdale Development Trust (NADT)," he added.

"It's up to the average person to help resolve. The youngsters know they have to play their part as well.

"To get to the crux of the problem adults have to listen to the youngsters."

Angela Bicknell, who runs the youth station, said: "It was really good the young people were able to have their voice listened to.

"They felt time was taken to get their point across.

"The main thing that came out of it was that they want influential people to know they are all individuals and they all can't be tied with the same brush.

"It's the minority that spoil it for the majority and most young people do care about this town."

Angela added: "Most of the youngsters just want a place to go and not be moved on."

While the youth station, in High Street, is a popular meeting place for youngsters due to funding it is not able to be open all the time - and other attractions, such as a skate park, have been mentioned as possible additions to the town's offering.

A group of youngsters have now been invited to speak at next month's town council meeting.

Mr Pitcher will also feed information and views back to the town council himself, the working group set up to tackle anti-social behaviour and will invite the county's crime commissioner, Peter McCall, to speak with the youngsters direct.