A NEW initiative to combat youth disorder has kicked off in Port Glasgow.

Local police have teamed up with Greenock Morton Community Trust to launch a new street soccer project to help keep youngsters off the streets and out of trouble on Friday nights.

The pilot comes after the town was plagued by issues involving out-of-control teens - and officers believe the diversionary project can help them call full time on youth disorder.

Inverclyde's most senior officer, Chief Inspector Paul Cameron, praised the programme and says he believes it can make a real difference.

He said: "This will enable young people to get together with coaches and others of a similar age to play football instead of getting into trouble."

Ch Insp Cameron told the Tele that funding for the initiative was secured some time ago, but its delivery was delayed due to the pandemic.

He added: “We are trying to get to the very root of the issue around youth disorder.

"This can give the young people something positive to do now that the days are longer.

"This is a time when annually we see an escalation in problems created by young people out more with more time on their hands.

“In Port Glasgow, we had a lot of issues with disorder and vandalism.

"This initiative was set up to help with that and divert young people to find a more positive way to spend their time.

“It’s something I am really supportive of.

"It breaks down barriers in more ways than one.

"We spend time with youngsters, rather than chasing them around, and it involves young people directly with others making a positive contribution to their community.”

The programme is due to run for a trial period over the summer and sessions have been running from 6-8pm at the Tesco car park.

According to the police and the trust they have been a big success, with more than 25 young people joining in.

Mr Cameron said: "We didn’t know what the uptake would be, but the pilot has been really well received by everyone who has come along.

"Now we know that there is a real appetite for it, we can hopefully start expanding it."