AS Craven's first dispersal order comes to an end in Cowling, new initiatives are being put in place to help curb anti-social behaviour.

Cowling Parish Council chairman John Alderson does not believe the order, which runs out next month, has been the right answer for the village's unruly youths. This is due mainly, he says, to the lack of communication between residents reporting incidents and police responding.

However, police believe there has been a reduction in anti-social behaviour in the village.

The order gives police the power to move on groups of two or more who they suspect may be causing trouble. If they return within 24 hours they can be arrested and ultimately fined up to £2,500 and/or jailed.

District commander for Craven, Chris Chelton said: "The local officer, Wayne Smith, has been active in the dispersal order and we are aware of a displacement affect around the village and some reports of ongoing anti-social behaviour.

"The number of reports has decreased and the dispersal order has been effective to some degree."

But Coun Alderson said: "The dispersal order hasn't worked. Now, we are looking to encourage youths to do something they will enjoy doing.

"It's a slow process, but we want to help them so they can help us. We want to live in harmony in the village. We all have to live here."

The way forward was discussed at the latest Craven Crime Reduction Partnership meeting.

Members are looking into working with recent Government brainchild Connexions, an advice-based organisation for young people aged from 13 to 19. Youth workers are already in place in Cowling under Community Education, based at South Craven School. The initiative has been ongoing for 18 months, where young people meet at the village hall from Tuesday to Wednesday.

One youth worker, Lesley Sargison, is now working an extra eight hours per week in the village to offer youngsters help and advice. The funding for this runs out at the end of this month, but it is hoped further money will be sourced to continue her additional hours.

Manager Derek Blackwell said: "It's early days, but the extra hours mean there's someone available for young adults who leave school. There is a contact for help and advice. We're trying to involve all young people in the village."

A youth shelter costing more than £10,000 also looks set to be introduced near the existing skate park on the recreation ground.

This will be a base for young people to meet and will also be used for community events, including Cowling's annual gala.

Anti-social behaviour co-ordinator for Craven, Stacey Mitchell, said: "I'm very positive about the work that's going on. A lot of time, effort and funding is going in to various projects and if Cowling has had problems, obviously we want to address these."