NEARLY 1,000 youngsters will be kept off the streets in Blackpool this summer as part of a holiday activity scheme.

The SPLASH crime prevention scheme, which starts on Monday (July 29) is part of a national initiative to give disadvantaged youngsters the chance to get involved in exciting activities, learn new skills and stay out of trouble during the summer.

The activities include DJ training, street dancing, film making, drama, quad biking and various team sports on six different sites in the Blackpoool area.

Norman Warner, Youth Justice Board chairman, said: "We must invest in young people at an early age to show them they can do more in life than get drawn into crime. SPLASH schemes have shown an enormous commitment to developing the skills of the youngstgers and getting the whole community involved.

"The areas running SPLASH schemes in the summer holidays in 2000 saw a reduction of 36 per cent in domestic burglary and an 18 per cent reduction in youth crime overall.

"This is great news for the communities, great news for the police and best of all for the young people themselves."

Steve Cook, youth offending team manager responsible for Blackpool, said: "It is essential to give these young people the opportunity to get involved in fun and educational activities they might not otherwise have access to. Communities, parents and the police can all benefit from the work we are doing with these youngsters.

"We're not saying these youngsters are potential criminals. What we're doing is making sure they have every opportunity to make something of their time over the holidays when they are most likely to be bored, hanging around and at risk of drifting into trouble."

Splash is primarily funded through the Youth Justice Board with significant local contributions through the Blackpool Children's Fund and the Blackpool Challenge Partnership (Single Regeneration Budget).

Registration days for young people are this Friday and Saturday, (July 27 and 28). For further details contact Stuart Maddix, SPLASH Co-ordinator on 01253 392323 or 07796 994548.