'Axed police scheme changed me for the better'

Brothers Harry [L] and Arthur told the BBC The Aston Project has changed their lives

Young people supported by a police-led scheme have said they are "disappointed" it is being axed.

The Aston Project was set up in 2011 to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in Cheltenham by rewarding young people, who volunteered or joined clubs, with activities such as pony trekking or canoeing.

It has transformed the lives of thousands of children over the past decade, but it now being axed as Gloucestershire Police attempts to plug a £12.3m funding gap.

A police spokesperson said the force had to take "decisive action" to improve core services they provide to communities.

Arthur Doxsey, 18, joined the project when he was eleven years old after his brother Harry became a mentor in the scheme. Arthur said the decision changed his life for the better.

"I was a young carer and quite a vulnerable young person at that time.

"I was quite scared I was going to be lead into anti-social behaviour, going into the wrong crowd.

"It [the project] helped me massively," he said. "I've learnt so many skills and I've learnt who I want to be - that's the most amazing thing I've learnt," he said.

The Aston Project was established in memory of PC Lynn Aston who died at the age of 48. She dedicated large parts of her career to helping young people.

Eamonn Aston, Lynn's widower and volunteer and stakeholder of the Aston Project, told the BBC that funding cuts have to be made for "the right reason".

He said: "I think it's a flawed decision as they're not long term saving.

"Kids fall in bad ways and into the criminal justice system – it's going to cost such an amount of money, it is false economy.

"You don't take a responsible adult away from a vulnerable child," he added. "These kids are vulnerable."

Mr Aston said the project has helped "thousands" of children since it began

Councillor Ben Evans, from Gloucestershire County Council, said the police's decision was "short-sighted" as preventing young people being involved in the criminal justice system is a "good financial investment".

He said: "We're going to try everything we can to show some leadership and try and keep the project alive."

A police spokesperson said the authority recognised the "value of working with and supporting young people".

They added: "Last month we announced we'll be increasing the number of warranted police officers in our Neighbourhood Policing Teams to help us respond to and investigate the crimes that people are most affected by, such as anti-social behaviour and shoplifting."

Youth engagement officers will maintain relationships with schools and support young people, they said.