'THERE'S nothing to do around here' - it's the universal complaint of young people when they're accused of making a nuisance of themselves.

The youth of Worcester's St Peter's estate, who were recently made the subject of an anti-social behaviour order, probably had a similar explanation for their troublemaking.

While many adults think that, in fact, there's no excuse for such behaviour, it is acknowledged that giving youngsters something to do can prevent them falling into bad ways.

St Peter's beat manager PC Andy Hall said the estate's Youth Opportunities Group 'keeps the kids off the streets and stops them being a nuisance'.

So why has the organisation's summer programme of activities been scrapped?

It seems Worcestershire County Council won't give the group any more money to fund the programme because it didn't spent its last allocation of funds in time.

Meanwhile, St Peter's Parish Council says it might be able to help out if it sees the group's accounts, while Worcester City Council has promised to fund twice-weekly sports sessions - but only if it can find the staff.

All these organisations need to get their heads together and sort out the red tape.

It's in everyone's interest to give youngsters something to do during the forthcoming school holidays.

Otherwise it could be a long, hot summer for St Peter's.