TIM Farron has hailed youth surgeries he held at three estates in Kendal as a major success after meeting more than 200 young people on the Hallgarth, Kirkbarrow and Sandylands estates.

In one of the Liberal Democrat’s last official engagements before Parliament was disolved, Mr Farron played games of five-a-side football on the multi-use games areas with the local youngsters before sitting down to discuss issues of concern.

Many of the youngsters said they were keen to see extra investment in the games areas, increasing the size of the pitches and adding extra safety screening.

National issues of importance such as crime and police presence were raised as well.

Mr Farron said: “I think it is very important to engage with the young people in our areas.

“Obviously the games areas are important to young people but it was great to hear them airing concerns about other issues such as crime.

“I have taken on board all of their comments and will try to address as many of them as possible.”