Youth project wins council grant

A YOUTH project that has helped reduce anti-social behaviour in Stockton Heath has been awarded a grant from the parish council.
Members approved £418 for a laptop, speakers and softwear for the Broomfields Youth Project, which has a Youth Bus based at Broomfields Leisure Centre, Appleton.
The bus, based at the centre on Friday evenings, is supported by a range of organisations and two Police Community Support Officers attend.
The parish council heard that chairman Coun Peter Walker had visited the project and was “very impressed.”
He said it was attended by more than 100 youths from Appleton and Stockton Heath and had reduced anti-social behaviour in the area. The PCSOs helped disperse youths at the end of the evening.
Coun Stephen Taylor said: “It seems to reduce the impact of anti-social behaviour. It is a valuable investment and a lot of other bodies are contributing.”
Coun Tudor Pole said: “It is a small price to pay. We should give the money and be glad to.”
Members considered a report from youth project from project manager John Harper. He said the project was initiated by Bridgewater Churches Together and was now run in partnership with a range of organisations.
He said the leisure centre now provided free swimming for young people and allowed the floodlit pitches to be available on Friday evenings.
Plans were developing to make dance classes available and provide facilities for skaters and BMX bikes.
Mr Harper added: “Local police have seen a consistent reduction in anti-social behaviour in the area, while the leisure centre and local churches have understandably seen an increase in participation.”
The partners, including police, Bridgewater Churches Together, the borough council, school and fire service, meet monthly to review and plan the project.