ANTI-SOCIAL teenagers in Merseyside will benefit from extra funding.

Liverpool, Wirral and Knowsley will each get £250k government money as newly- named Challenge and Support Projects.

The money will help council ensure that when a young person is given an ASBO they are also given the help needed to change their behaviour.

Each project is committed to using Individual Support Orders (ISO) to run alongside ASBOs.

Announcing the 52 project areas nationwide, Chil- dren and Young People’s minister Beverley Hughes, said: “These projects are a real opportunity for local areas such as Liverpool, Wirral and Knowsley to turnaround the lives of the most vulnerable and destructive young people in their community.

“Our aim is to make sure every young person has the very best start to life. By addressing the underlying causes of bad behaviour we can hope to increase educational attainment and help those at risk of substance misuse.”

Caroline Laing, manager of Wir- ral Council’s anti-social behaviour team said: “We will use some of the money to employ a second enforcement officer, recruit more case work- ers, help staff in Connections and provide activities.”