Pungle community centre

Funding: Met out of current budgets

Aim: To reduce antisocial behaviour on a local estate

Troubled young people on a housing estate near Bolton are getting help to keep them on track as part of a new project.

The Pungle Estate in Westhoughton suffers from problems including drug addiction, domestic abuse and antisocial behaviour. In a bid to address these issues, a property on the estate has been set aside to be used as a community house.

Supported by social landlords Contour Homes, as well as Bolton Council and the Roots Project charity, the community house offers drug counselling and access to training and employment. It also provides a base for a mother-and-toddler group.

James Williams, regeneration manager at Contour Homes, says the estate has been stigmatised in recent years and is in need of a boost.

The fact that the estate is on the edge of Westhoughton means there are fewer services on offer than other parts of the town.

"The project is all about working in the community to engage with young people," says Williams. "We are keen to build confidence and get the young people identifying projects they want to see in the area and getting involved in delivering them themselves."

The project is yet to receive any formal funding with the property provided by Contour and professionals working on the project being provided by the agencies involved.

Shanine Meadowcroft, of Contour Homes, said residents are keen to get involved with the project. "The Roots Project charity wants to involve residents in all aspects of its work and will take the lead from them about the type of work the project should be doing.

"We see the youth work as crucial in reducing antisocial behaviour. This will include young people engaging in youth leader and sports leader awards and a parallel programme for personal development with adults and parents."