REDUCING crime in Pinehurst has to start with early intervention, that's what the shadow justice secretary heard while visiting the charity SMASH yesterday.

The Labour MP Richard Burgon was inspired by staff at the youth work charity, which relies totally on volunteers and donations, and pledged to do more if his party were in power to support young people early on - before they choose a life of crime.

Mr Burgon told the Adver after his discussion with SMASH volunteers and leaders:

"I'm very mindful that when we're talking about making communities safer in reducing crime we've got to look at the causes of crime and the causes of social disengagement and ensuring that youngsters who are having a tough time don't get up going down the wrong path."

The shadow cabinet member took aim at cuts to youth services over the last ten years and pledged to bring back a statutory youth service.

"One of the things that had disturbed lots of people is that the conservative government has cut the funding to youth offending teams by 50 per cent," he added, "they can play a really important role in ensuring better outcomes for young people and for communities as well.

"I think it's very inspiring to see the valuable work these local volunteers are doing, people giving up their own time, for no other reason to help people from their own community who need a helping hand.

"It shows you how strong our communities are, despite the difficulties they've faced due to the cuts that the conservative government has imposed.

"What was really inspiring is that some of the service users helped by this project have when they've become adults returned as volunteers to help other people."

Carol Shelley, Labour Swindon Borough Councillor for Gorsehill and Pinehurst, told the Adver: "This charity are such a life line for young people in this area. The mentoring they do is fantastic and really makes a difference to the community and we really appreciate everything they do."