A PIONEERING project to cut anti-social behaviour through working with bikes has been rolled out in Verwood.

Youth outreach charity IMPACT is taking to the streets every Thursday after school to teach pupils about bike maintenance, with the aim of building confidence and providing somewhere to go in the evenings.

After visiting the town’s schools, volunteers will head to Potterne BMX Park to give youngsters help to maintain their bikes, as well as providing the opportunity for attendees to build a custom bicycle from parts donated to the project.

Neil Robertson, operations manager for the charity, said the aim of the project was to develop new skills and knowledge, as well as helping to tackle anti-social behaviour.

He said: “To make sure that we involve as many in the community as possible, our team will begin each week by meeting with young people on the streets as they leave school.

“This youth outreach will focus on connecting with young people in their environment. This will take place in two areas of high-density social housing, and by doing so we’ll maximise the reach of the support that we offer.”

The Verwood project began at the end of March, and IMPACT will be running it for a year, although charity volunteers are looking for funding to ensure the future of the initiative.

Bike project co-ordinator Matt Haine said: “Our team are really excited to be heading back to Verwood.

“Last summer, we had an opportunity to run a project at the BMX park during the school holidays and it was fantastic. There is a great group of young people that use the facility – they are very passionate about their bikes and very talented at riding them. It’s an honour that we have the opportunity to get alongside them and teach new skills, as well as offer them support in other areas of their lives.”

IMPACT will work together with the East Dorset District Council, Dorset Police and the Urban Health Partnership on the project, which has been funded by Synergy Housing.

For more information, or to donate a bike, parts or tools to the project, visit impactmakingadifference.co.uk or email info@impactmakingadifference.co.uk.