18th February 2008, 08/41
Somewhere for young people to socialise
Young people in Skelmersdale are to have their own place to meet
and socialise as part of a series of exciting projects to make them
feel safer.
Through the £3.7m funding to make Digmoor, Moorside and parts of
Tanhouse cleaner, greener and safer, the Neighbourhood Board have
given the Council's leisure section £250,000 to focus on
initiatives to benefit children.
As a result a youth room is currently being designed within Digmoor
Community Centre to give teenagers somewhere to go and mix with
other like-minded people in a safe, informal environment.
In addition, a room is being built at Tanhouse Community Centre to
store sports and other equipment for young people.
Margaret Highton, Chairman of the Neighbourhood Board, said: "One
of the biggest concerns that we have in our community is that there
is nowhere for the kids to go. This was a big issue that came out
of our consultations and it is what young people have told us. So
we have taken their comments on board and are developing a
much-needed youth room and other facilities for our
teenagers."
To complement this particular project, two youth workers have also
been taken on to work with young people, consult with them on
projects and oversee any new activities.
MP Rosie Cooper, Chair of the Local Strategic Partnership, said:
"The youth of today are our next generation and it is important
that we listen to their needs. I'm delighted that the Local
Strategic Partnership has been able to support these exciting youth
projects though the Safer, Stronger, Communities Fund, which will
really make a difference to their lives."
Cllr David Westley, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, added:
"There are more exciting ventures planned in the next few months to
benefit the whole community, which will improve the quality of life
for everyone and make the areas cleaner, safer and greener. I'm
looking forward to watching them come to fruition."
Anyone who would like information about the project can contact
Chris Skinkis/Karen Warmington at the Neighbourhood Management
Office, 01695 737808 or email neighbourhood.management@westlancsdc.gov.uk
Related information
>Youth