AN “EXCITING” project looks set to be launched in Peebles in a bid to help stamp out anti-social behaviour in the town.

The recently-formed Peebles Youth Voice group is looking to provide ‘teen evenings’ at the Eastgate Theatre.

It is hoped the move will build stronger relationships across the generations and show youngsters that the community “holds their wellbeing important”.

The group has asked for £3,000 from the Peebles Common Good Fund to help get the project off the ground.

The bid will be discussed by the fund’s sub committee at a meeting on Wednesday (April 19).

A report submitted with the cash plea states: “Following an input from a sample of young people and drawing upon the knowledge of local youth workers, one of the most exciting initiatives launched is to provide teen evenings at the Eastgate Theatre, providing a safe place to meet with friends and either listen to their music genre or watch films of choice.

“The Eastgate Theatre supports this initiative and discussions have led to a plan targeting six events over a 12-month period.”

It adds: “The Eastgate teen evenings will demonstrate to young people – key residents of the town – that the wider Peebles community holds their wellbeing important and is pleased to see town facilities, such as the Eastgate Theatre, used to provide them not only with entertainment but also with safe places to meet.

“A hoped for added benefit is that by demonstrating this to our young people our organisation – and the wider community – will hopefully gain credibility as people who not only listen but who can also deliver. This credibility will be invaluable in the future development of further opportunities for our young people.

“We consider that one contributory factor in combating anti-social behaviour is the breaking down of barriers between the generations. While clearly it is not a blank cheque, it is our hope that by listening and reacting to what young people would like to see in the town we will see barriers reduced.”

It is believed it will cost £6,000 to stage the events at the Eastgate. The group’s aim is for the project to become self-sustaining after 12 months.

Meanwhile, a bid for £10,000 from the fund by Peebles Bowling Club to go towards its extension is also set to be considered at the meeting.