THE region has some of the lowest teenage pregnancy rates in the country, Government figures reveal.

Halton was named as having the sixth lowest rate, with one girl in 256 conceiving under the age of 16.

Warrington came in next lowest, with 5.1 girls in every 1,000 getting pregnant, followed by Cheshire at 5.7.

Wirral had the worst rate in the region, with one underage girl in every 115 becoming a young mother.

Cllr Sheila Clarke, chairwoman of Wirral’s children’s services select committee, said: “There are hotspots, mainly Birkenhead and Wallasey. West Wirral rates are around two-thirds lower.

“Teenage pregnancy is a major concern for us and we are investigating and identifying ways to reduce the numbers.

“Research shows that girls involved in crime and those who don’t do very well at school are more likely to become pregnant at a young age. We will be meeting to discuss this on April 20.”

Earlier this year St Helens was moved from the Government’s red and amber “critical list” to the less serious amber and green category after reducing its teen pregnancy rate.

Since the Teenage Pregnancy Strategy was launched in 1998, teen pregnancy rates have reduced by 15.2%.

Preventative work takes place in youth clubs, schools, accomm- odation projects and clinics, and ante-natal, childcare and advice services are also provided.

The strategy is now supporting parents and urging them to speak to their children about sex and relationships. Teenage pregnancies in Liverpool were cut by a quarter last year after an improvement in sex education in the city’s schools.

Sex health workers in the city target the most at-risk groups, including those in care and teenagers from ethnic minorities.

Youth workers also said health centres had played a crucial role by dispensing teen-friendly advice to youngsters.

Joanne Forrest, chairwoman of Liverpool’s teenage pregnancy partnership board, said: “We are very pleased with our success, but we know there’s more work to be done.

“We are optimistic that this downward trend will continue, but it’s important not to become complacent.”

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