Guardian News
Youth shelter project for Middlewich teenagers launched after £60k boost
9:00am Sunday 19th February 2012
A YOUTH shelter will soon be built in Middlewich after community leaders were given a £60,000 cash boost.
Three youth workers are also set to be employed to facilitate the opening of the Wych Centre for two evenings a week.
Regeneration body Middlewich Vision applied for the Home Office funds in a bid to tackle the gangs of youths who often gather at Tesco’s car park at night.
“I’m absolutely delighted about getting the grant,” said project coordinator Julia Brumby.
“Firstly it’s going to tackle a problem for residents and shoppers in the town centre for some time.
“Secondly, it will give a positive boost to the young people of the town by providing a youth facility. Hopefully three youth workers will take this forward.
“We’ve worked with the schools to get the kids involved by telling us what it should be called and what equipment they want.
“They’ve even done a job description for the youth workers. They’ve really taken it on board.”
PCSO Steve Wood, of Middlewich police, added: “By involving young people in the process, they’ve taken ownership of it and we know it’s what they want.
“We’re not just there to move them on - we’ve been listening to what they’ve been saying.”
It is hoped that evening sessions at the Wych Centre will start in April and a location is currently being sought for the youth shelter.
Julia said: “We’re very aware that wherever we put the shelter can potentially upset residents.
“But it has to be in a safe place for the young people using it and move them from the Tesco car park to somewhere better.”
Anne Latham met some of the youngsters who will benefit from the youth shelter on the night that the street pastors initiative was launched.
She said: “We’re very concerned the young people feel undervalued and we empathise with that a great deal.
“As street pastors, this project is an answer to our prayers. We hope the kids enjoy it and it makes a big difference to their lives.”
Alex Bradley, 13, who attends Middlewich High School, added: “It’s good because we’ve not really had much to do in Middlewich for the last few years.
“We need more for people our age.”
