VILLAGERS are reaching out to the youngsters living at a specialist school near Darlington.

Residents of Heighington are inviting children from the nearby Oakwood centre to play an active part in their community.

The concept of the specialist school initially caused consternation with residents of the surrounding rural community.

Prior to its opening in April, Heighington Parish Council and a number of residents objected to the building of Oakwood, a centre that provides care, education and therapy for children with complex educational and behavioural needs.

A recent PACT meeting revealed concerns still existed around the centre with issues relating to anti-social behaviour being raised.

Ward councillor Gerald Lee reacted to a recent incident of anti-social behaviour by reaching out to the eight children currently living at the centre.

He said: “There was some objection to Oakwood by those who saw the potential for vandalism and problems with young people.

“Since it opened there have been a few issues with the children walking across farmers’ fields, stones being thrown causing damage and the like – nothing major, just stuff kids do.

“The staff have been very good in dealing with it and the young people there have probably had a very difficult life.

“They’re isolated out there in the middle of nowhere and we have to work with them, rather than against them.

“I’ve invited them into the village to join in with activities like coffee mornings and Scout groups and it’d be nice to get a farmer to talk to them about the country code.

“We’d like the children to be involved in our community and to know how it works, to see a different life to the one they are used to, as they’re probably from a very urban background.”

He added: “The important thing to remember is that these are young people who for whatever reason are where they are.

“They are not criminals, they’ve probably had difficult lives and we need to support them however we can.”

Howard Tennant - chief operating officer for the Witherslack Group, owners of Oakwood – said: “We have children’s homes located throughout the North of England and we enjoy really positive community relationships.

“Our young people are frequently members of youth organisations such as scouts, guides and army cadets and several young people have part-time jobs.

“We are very keen to integrate into the local community and to make a positive contribution.”