A MAJOR summer youth event in Leominster - The Noise - has been silenced.

The work-and-fun weekend, centred on Bridge Street sports centre at the end of August, was to have involved an army of young people in community projects around the town and a live music concert.

But the event has had to be postponed until next year because of money to cover costs.

Young people at the weekend-long event were to carry out painting jobs, litter picking, gardening and landscape work, supported by volunteers from the community.

More than 200 young people had been lined up along with dozens of adults willing to give their expertise and time free of charge to make the event a success.

Organiser Sue Carter said: "It is very disappointing but we simply didn't have the funding in place in time.

"Wherever The Noise has been undertaken elsewhere in the country, the event has been a major success.

Reduction

"There has been a tangible reduction in anti-social behaviour, petty and juvenile crime in the area, not just for a short while after the event, but for many months and Leominster was understandably looking forward to these benefits."

Sue added: "The good thing is that its only postponed - not cancelled and we have most things in place so that we can press the button and get things going again when we have settled on a new date. At the moment we are planning for The Noise to happen in Leominster in May next year and we're confident that we will be able to get it off the ground for then."

The Noise, which is being led by Xtreme Youth projects, has gained support from organisations such as Marches Housing Association, the county council, Youth Service, Leominster Town Council, local churches, The Community Safety Partnership, West Mercia Constabulary and other bodies.