Lancashire’s pioneering youth zones are in line for a multi-million pound cash boost.
The biggest share of the windfall will go to Chorley, where the green light has been given for the town’s ground breaking new youth zone.
The new Youth Zone will be created in Lancashire County Council’s existing premises in Union Street.
It will see a range of activities for young people provided as part of a series of new cutting-edge centres across the county.
The scheme is part of the county council’s ambitious plan to provide youth zones in every district.
A multi-purpose hall, music and dance rooms, spaces for one-to-one and group work and music recording equipment are just some facilities that will be provided at the site.
County Councillor leder Geoff Driver, said: “The Union Street site is ideal for a Youth Zone.
“The building will offer the full range of services for young people under one roof.
“It’ll be a place where they can go to relax, learn, develop new skills and get help and support when they need it.
Coun Mark Perks, Cabinet Member for Young People, added: “I’m pleased that we’ve found a suitable site in Chorley and that work on the Chorley Youth Zone can now go ahead.
“It’ll be great news for young people in the area as it means they’ll have superb facilities and services right on their doorstep.
“The great thing is that other agencies working with young people will also be able to use the building. This means we can work much closer in partnership to provide the services young people want.”
An extra £1m will be shared around the county on projects ranging from youth zones to satellite Young People’s Centres. The bulk of this, £613,000, will be spent on improvements to existing young peoples centres, around the County. Mobile youth centres will benefit to the tune of £315,000 and the rest, £72,000 will fund ‘Info Zones’ in each Youth Zone to extend the opportunity for young people to get information, advice and support
Preston Youth Zone Plus is at the corner of Bow Lane and Ring Way.
The extra money, which will be included in next year’s budget, is on top of the £6m earmarked for Youth Zone key centres in districts.
Comments