A YOUTH club is being restarted in a bid to keep young people off the streets in the evening.

Taunton Central Youth Club is holding its first private evening social on Friday, March 15, at popular pool venue Allstars Sports Bar, from 7pm until 9pm.

The evening social, which will be held in a private room of the venue, is open to young people aged between 14 and 17-years-old.

Avon and Somerset Police is working with Taunton Deane Borough Council to offer more for young people in the area, as businesses in the town have reported a loss of customers as groups of teens stay in the town centre after finishing school carrying out anti-social behaviour.

After speaking with some young people, officers were told there are few places for them to go in the evenings, and they would utilise them if there were things to do in the area.

PCSO Jade Tingley, from the Taunton central policing team, said: “We know that the closure of youth clubs has had an impact on young people’s lives. Youth Clubs offer young people a place to go, speaking with teenagers there’s a demand for somewhere to go and for activities to do in the evenings and weekends, outside of school."

“Having structured activity is really important for young people, especially those who perhaps don’t have it at home. By relaunching the local youth club we’ll be taking young people off the streets and giving them something to do. We don’t want young people getting into a cycle of committing crime as it’s very hard to break the cycle and can dramatically impact their adult life."

The social costs £1 per person, there will be food provided and pool tables available with a chill zone for those who just want to spend time with friends.

Avon and Somerset Police and partners, including Taunton Deane and West Somerset Council, One Teams and local volunteers hope that with enough interest, sessions can be put on regularly and representatives would like to encourage parents to let their children know about the first event.