TWO years of research and planning has resulted in the creation of a strategy aimed at addressing the needs of young people across the town.

The move comes from a subgroup of the Redditch Partnership, which released its draft document, due to be adopted in August, last week.

Members of the group, which includes Redditch Council and the police, have carried out a series of consultation exercises with young people to identify needs and concerns.

And a string of objectives and priorities have been listed in the document which details how changes will be implemented, target dates and outcomes.

Redditch Council's south area director Jacqueline Smith said: "The work which has been going on has now got to the penultimate stage. The draft document will be finalised and adopted in August and then put in to action."

The research findings were grouped in a number of 'themes,' including safety, drugs, alcohol, places to go and public transport.

Some of the needs highlighted by young people included the need for bus services to be improved and a need for an appropriate meeting place in the town.

Ms Smith said: "There are five strategy objectives; working in partnership for the benefit of young people in Redditch and information, advice and guidance which has three priority areas; education training and employment, health related issues and leisure and self development."

Other target areas include aspirations, representation, leadership, responsibility and relationships and community values and cultural issues.

Different agencies on the Youth Strategy Team will be leading a number of initiatives to address the needs highlighted, including further research and the development of existing services.