Nearly 275 teenagers between the age of 16 and 18 are not in education, training or employment in Shropshire, according to latest figures.

Shropshire Council officials say they are still meeting targets for young people and, although there are currently 273 young people across the county in this position, it is still a 26.6 per cent reduction on the same period last year.

But a report to councillors warns that the figures for Oswestry and Market Drayton indicate these towns are hotspots where there is a shortage of employment opportunities.

Wendy Marston, head of policy and performance at the council, says a number of the young people lead “chaotic lives” with problems including illegal drug use.

She said the local target of 5.6 per cent of 16-18-year-olds across the county who are not in education, training or employment has been met in the first three months of this year.

But adds: “Although the trend is still positive and quarter on quarter goes down, the target continues to be a challenge.

“The two areas of concern (hotspots) are the Market Drayton and Oswestry areas.

“Both these areas have some of the most vulnerable and intractable young people in the county. The areas lack suitable training provision and there is an ongoing shortage of employment opportunities which has been further reduced due to the economic downturn.”

Ms Marston’s report to tomorrow’s cabinet meeting says a “multi-agency approach” is being used to address these problems.

This includes mentoring programmes, job clubs and informal education sessions which are being used to motivate and re-engage.

She says: “In the Market Drayton area, there are currently 36 seeking employment and training, these are seen on an individual and group basis and support given to address their barriers and enhance employability skills.

“Many of these have multiple barriers which include substance misuse, offending behaviour, homelessness issues and poor social skills.

“In Oswestry, the number of local vacancies for under 18s has reduced this year. This area is also our substance misuse “Hot Spot”, with many of these young people having such chaotic lives that work/training is not an immediate priority.”

By Russell Roberts