PARTS of Houghton Regis and Dunstable have some of the highest rates of teenage pregnancy in the country.

Nearly 80 girls aged 15-17 out of every 1,000 in the Parkside area of Houghton ended up conceiving, according to figures in the Sexual Health Strategy for Bedfordshire.

The figure is nearly as high in the neighbouring Houghton Hall ward and, together with the Manshead area of Dunstable, which has a conception rate of nearly 67 girls in every 1,000, the three are officially known as 'hotspot' areas.

Bedfordshire Primary Care Trust is currently in the process of awarding a five-year contract to provide integrated sexual health services.

They will have the aim of reducing teenage conceptions and sexually transmitted infections, as well as promoting the well-being of sexual health within the population. The deadline for expressions of interest in running the services is July 24.

Health chiefs are looking at establishing a series of 'one-stop shops' for diagnosis and treatment of infections as well as family planning and contraception. Also planned is a 'strong focus' on young people, with services provided in youth venues.

For the full story, buy the July 23 edition of the Dunstable Gazette.