A NEW helpline has been set up in Bury for young people who have been threatened or robbed or are worried about anything else in their lives.

The number is 0800 614458 and the facility is available to any young person in the Bury borough.

The move is one of many pioneering ideas to come out of a new Youth Issues Group.

It was set up to give the youth of the borough a more powerful voice in the decision making by putting them face to face with councillors and officials.

Over the coming months the group is keen to promote a new joint initiative between Greater Manchester Police Authority and the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. At its latest gathering, the committee considered a number of activities which have been taking place including fund-raising by Bury College students.

There was also keen interest in the progress of the ambitious "Pavilion in the Park" initiative in Prestwich, the foundations of which are due to be laid in the near future.

Future events include four summer activity days, again targeting young people.

They range from making percussion instruments from recycled junk to enjoying a musical session with a Samba band.

Co-chair Louise, 16, said: "If anyone wants to find out more about the activities, all they have to do is phone 0161 253 6544.

"The sub-committee is always looking to broaden the areas in which it is involved and our regular meetings are open to any other young people who want to come along."

The next meeting of the Youth Issues Sub-Committee will be at Bury Town Hall on Wednesday, September 24.

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