AN OVERGROWN area has been transformed thanks to the hard work of young people.

The young people, working with Vale of Glamorgan’s Youth Offending Service cleared and tidied an overgrown part of the village centre in St Athan which had been causing issues for several years.

The Youth Offending Service – made up of representatives from the police, probation service, social services, and professionals in health, education, and drugs/alcohol misuse - works with children aged eight to 17 from across the Vale of Glamorgan who have offended or are at risk of offending.

It aims to improve opportunities for them and prevent them offending or having a negative impact on their community.

The service promotes community values and actively encourages young people to give back to their local community in reparation projects. These projects have included:

  • Graffiti cleaning;
  • Litter picking;
  • Beach cleaning;
  • Footpath clearing.

The Youth Offending Service is already in talks about carrying out more work in St Athan and getting involved with the community council.

Cllr Kathryn McCaffer, Vale of Glamorgan Council cabinet member for leisure, arts and culture, said: “This project demonstrates the great work of the Youth Offending Service in getting young people to give back to their communities and understanding the impacts of their actions.

“I look forward to seeing more of the great work and community benefits the Youth Offending Service brings in the future.”