POLICE officers are hoping for closer links with the young people in the Folkestone and Hythe area by working with the Shepway Youth Forum (SYF).

Ch Insp Paul Wilczek told an SYF meeting he takes their views seriously. He said: "Young people are important members of our society, but unfortunately they tend to be blamed by older generations for most of society's problems.

"We know it is only a small proportion of young people who are involved in crime and anti-social behaviour and many young people have their own fears about crime, and ideas about how to tackle it.

"It is important that people like me, and other decision makers in Shepway, encourage young people to speak up, and then listen to what they have to say."

The SYF members raised a number of issues, including the provision of facilities for young people and the way police deal with them.

Mr Wilczek said: "I was impressed with the enthusiasm shown and hope this is the first of regular meetings between them and Kent Police."

Tamasin Jarrett, Shepway District Council's youth engagement officer, said: "This was a successful session for the forum and was another opportunity for young people to put forward their views, which they did very well."