A group of our young people, supported by parents, youth workers and the Parish Council will soon have their own youth shelter.

After initial discussions held in Nov 08, where the parish council heard that an application for funding for a youth shelter, by a member of the Monday Night Youth Club had been successful and a request was made to the council to site the shelter on Forest Park, Kings Drive.

The parish council suggested to the youngsters that they carry out consultations with the residents in the locality. One resident objected, two residents were left questionnaires to complete, the other six did not have any objections to the Teen Shelter.

Further discussions took place with residents that took the time to attend the monthly parish council meetings (members of the public are welcome Third Thurday of the month 7pm) where assurances were given by the parish council that their concerns had been heard and that the situation would be monitored.

It was agreed to go ahead and allow the siting the Teen Shelter, which will be erected later than expected due to the supplier being unable to meet the original date of March 31st.. A revised date for the new shelter is now expected to be Monday 6th April !

The Young People have asked for a plaque to be included on the Teen Shelter which says that it is in the Memory of George Bates - 1929 - 2008. George worked for the parish council for about seventeen years, he took over the premisies officer duties at the Parish Hall in 1998. He befriended the young people who he came into contact with at the hall and they had a great deal of respect for him.

A site has been identified for the shelter near to the Parish Hall, probably against the hedge between the hard surfaces play area and the football pitches, on the left of the playing field when viewed from the car park.

The upkeep of the shelter has been delegated to the young people who have have given assurances that they will take on the responsibility to look after the shelter and keep it clear of litter.

The shelter has a roof, seats and is open to one side and has an inbuilt audio system and is a similar size to a bus shelter, and gives the young people L.F.E. a focal point for them to meet with their friends.

Parish Chairman Bob Scott said in the Winter 2009 Edition LiFE magazine "It is important that we trust our young people to take on responsibility and not to be disheartened by the few who attempt to spoil things for the majority".

Comments/discussions may be made on our forum or you may Contact the Parish Council direct, through their website.