THE significant reduction in youth crime figures in areas of Glasgow are the result of the efforts of a number of agencies and successful polices.

The work of PEEK has already been noticed and the organisation is an Evening Times Community Champion winner. Now it has earned a substantial grant from the Big Lottery.

Providing alternative, constructive activities for children and young adults is crucial if they are to be diverted from the lure of gangs and the alcohol and the drugs and violence that can all too quickly follow.

PEEK has been successful in this respect and the more children they are able to reach with the extra funding, the better.

The drop in crime amongst young people in areas once notorious for gang fighting did not happen all by itself. It is a result of people spotting what the problems are, where the gaps in services exist and putting plans in place to improve facilities and support.

The Lottery funds get a lot of cash from deprived areas in Glasgow so it is great to see some of it coming back to make a real difference to support efforts to help young people.