There has been a “significant” drop in re-offending rates among young people from across Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin convicted of crime, a new report has revealed.The partnership that makes up the Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin Youth Offending Service (YOS) has also been successful in cutting the number of first-time offenders and the use of custodial sentences.

A report setting out the key achievements of the service during 2007-08 was presented to the county council cabinet yesterday.

On the issue of re-offending, the report says that a 12 month follow-up has shown an overall re-offending rate of 28.1 per cent.

“This represents a drop in re-offending which is a significant improvement on the five per cent target set,” it adds.

The YOS believes that reductions can be achieved by targeting those most at risk, and with a particular focus on improving access to education, training and employment, better access to health services and accommodation, and effective parenting services.

While caution must be adopted in drawing any wide ranging conclusions, says the report, it is positive that the overall re-offending trend is downward in the first year of implementing new national standards.

Analysis of re-offending patterns in both areas of the county has revealed that rates in Telford & Wrekin dropped from 33.5 per cent in 2005 to 27.4 per cent in 2006 while in Shropshire the reduction was from 31.3 per cent to 29.4 per cent.

The report says that the YOS has performed well in terms of reducing the use of custody last year.

It exceeded national targets through a combination of pro-active and positive work with local criminal justice partners.

* A senior Shirehall education officer, who found herself at the centre of the storm over the future of Shropshire primary schools, is retiring.

Tributes to Carol Tiddy were paid at yesterday’s cabinet meeting. Mrs Tiddy, a former teacher, has worked for the authority for 10 years and leaves next week.

By Dave Morris