Youngsters have a place to meet, play and talk

8:41am Friday 9th May 2008

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CHILDREN can enjoy new entertainment equipment after members of a multi-agency partnership donated more than £1,000 for a youth centre to keep them off Winsford's streets.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service donated £1,200 from Vale Royal's performance delivery group fund which has gone towards buying a pool table, PlayStation and Wii games consoles to help keep youngsters entertained.

It has been a great success working together and providing Winsford with positive activities for young people on Friday and Saturday nights.

Youth Forum co-ordinator Maggie Anderson

The aim is to reduce anti-social behaviour in the town by giving youngsters a place to meet and talk.

Youth Forum co-ordinator Maggie Anderson said: "It has been a great success working together and providing Winsford with positive activities for young people on Friday and Saturday nights. We're trying to create something for the young people in the town."

Matthew Hopkins, station commander at Winsford and Northwich Fire and Rescue Service, said: "It has been very positive and children who wouldn't normally go to a youth club have been attracted to it and if you get enough young people then the older ones will come as well. The youth club has excellent facilities and we're committed to helping local people because it's not just the fire and rescue side, the volunteers really need support."

There is a suggestion book for youngsters to say what activities they want to take part in and some of the ideas have included canoeing and kayaking.

Vale Royal Borough Council, the police and Weaver Valley Housing Trust have also contributed to the youth forum.

The centre, in Cheviot Square, was opened in March and is for youngsters aged 11-19. It costs 30p a time to attend.