A YOUTH worker will seek out bored teenagers on city street corners, if a new project gets the go-ahead.

Youth charity Rathbone Cymru wants to combat antisocial behaviour in Landore and Dyfatty by setting young people challenges, getting them involved in community action days and offering them activities such as survival trips in the Brecon Beacons.

It is now seeking £40,000 from the UK Government to get the project going and wants to hear local people's views on the plans.

The funding would, among other things, pay for the youth worker to pound the pavement and chat face-to-face with young people.

Ian Whitehead-Ross, the charity's policy and development manager, said Landore and Dyfatty had the highest incidence of antisocial behaviour in Swansea, with more than 500 incidents in July, August and September. He said these figures were gleaned from online UK crime and policing website police.co.uk.

"The plan is to target young people who are regularly involved in incidences of antisocial behaviour in their communities and tackle the root causes of the problems," said Mr Whitehead-Ross.

"We are very keen to have as much feedback as possible on our idea from residents in these areas, so we can make sure the project has a significant effect."

He said 14 to 18-year-olds who took part would learn more about the impact of vandalism and rowdy behaviour, help repair or improve buildings or other facilities valued by the community and in return gain skills and qualifications and be given a taste of the great outdoors.

"This would include bushcraft skills, with the young people learning some of the core skills required to live outdoors, making shelters as well as other survival skills," said Mr Whitehead-Ross.

He said the charity has approached South Wales Police, local politicians, youth service groups and multi-agency crime reduction group Safer Swansea about the plans.

Its previous work includes a rap, dance and drama project for young offenders at Neath Port Talbot College, plus a trip to Margam Park.

The idea behind these projects was to prevent antisocial behaviour and change perceptions of young people along the way.

Mr Whitehead-Ross said the deadline for funding applications from the Home Office was December 3, so the clock is ticking.

Rathbone Cymru wants to submit its application next week.

"The sooner the better," he said.

Jeff Davison, of Safer Swansea, said tackling antisocial behaviour was a priority for the city.

"We are keen to get support from wherever it may come," he added.

To have your say on Rathbone Cymru's plan email Swansea@rathboneuk.org

richard.youle@swwmedia.co.uk