HOME Office Crime Reduction Unit co-ordinator Abi George was in West Devon last Thursday, September 16, to see for himself the work being done for young people in the borough.

West Devon Neighbourhood Watch and West Devon Community Safety Partnership played host to Mr George, who was accompanied on his tour of the area by Colin Harris, chairman of West Devon Neighbourhood Watch.

The first visit of the day was to meet with residents in Oak Road, Okehampton, who want to set up a safe playground area for children living nearby.

Chairman of the Residents? Association Adrian Burbridge and local resident Liz Sergeant spoke to Mr George about their hopes for upgrading an existing green play area adjoining the estate.

Mr George also met with town council members deputy mayor Cllr Mike Davies and Cllr Christine Marsh, and representatives from the Police and developers Sanctuary Housing.

The residents are looking for funding to make the area suitable and safe for youngsters of all ages.

Mr Burbridge said all the residents were in support of the project but the real obstacle to achieving the scheme was financial resources.

Mr George said he would log the project with the Home Office when he returned to London, to see if any funding could be available.

Colin Harris, chairman of West Devon Neighbourhood Watch said: ?The day proved very successful, it flew the flag for youth projects in West Devon.

?Projects such as these help to keep young people out of criminal activity and antisocial behaviour. In West Devon there is a lot of work going on to help youngsters steer clear of crime.?

The Home Office visit was to share good practice, and part of a UK tour by Abi George to look at projects ? particularly in rural areas, and see what is working, and could be replicated in other areas of the UK to help keep children out of crime.

Mr George also visited other youth projects in the borough including High Moorland Community Action at Princetown, Youthwize, the Tavistock Youth Café project and the new sports pavilion project in Lewdown.

Mr Harris thanked all the projects leaders and Debby Henderson of the Community Safety Partnership for all their help with the Home Office visit.