CAMELFORD Town Council is to request a meeting with the county council and other agencies in the hope of tackling problems with youths in the town over the weekends.

At the March 17 meeting of the town council, Cllr Brian Lush, Mayor of Camelford, said local police officers have had to disperse youths in the town on a number of occasions.

He asked what the county council was doing about the problem through the provision of youth cover for the town. He believed that one youth worker covered nights in Bodmin, Wadebridge and one in Camelford, but added: "Quite frankly that is a heck of a burden and a heck of a load for her. I think we should demand that they provide a youth leader on a Friday night in the town."

He noted that the town's youth club was not open on a Friday, but added that it often gets blamed for any "shenanigans" that go on that night.

"It's a community problem, not just a police problem or a parental problem. We do need Cornwall County Council to come up with something regarding youth problems in the town."

Cllr Andy Shaw recalled there was around 60 people in the car park on Friday night and said: "It's very intimidating to cross the car park."

Cllr Lush continued: "It's a problem. It's for the community to solve with the parents and the youth worker and the police."

Bur Cllr Shaw said a lot of the youngsters attend a drop-in session at the nearby Souls Harbour and then leave and go out into the town. "They're quite happy to roam round the streets. That's what they want to do."

Cllr Lush said that when he first came to Cornwall he was amazed that there were no proper youth services.

Cllr Philip Lassells proposed that the clerk write to the county council and arrange a meeting as a matter of urgency, and invite other agencies, such as the police and youth club.

This was seconded by Cllr Lush and all councillors voted in favour.