Design crucial in unsupervised sites

An analysis of crime data showed both decreases and increases in antisocial behaviour after the nine structures featured in the study were built.

However, feedback from young people was more positive. The young people said shelters were well used, although they suggested improvements such as better lighting and more consultation with them about location.

Rebecca Anthony, communities research support officer at Caerphilly County Borough Council, said: "Facilities are put in as stand alone items to reduce boredom and give young people somewhere to go, not to stop antisocial behaviour, so we weren't expecting drastic results. But antisocial behaviour had reduced in quite a few areas."

The report contains a range of recommendations to ensure youth shelters are effective. These include using them as part of a range of supervised and unsupervised provision.