Three projects aimed at improving life for young people in Preston, South Ribble and Ribble Valley will go ahead thanks to funding from Maya Ellis MP.
Ribble Valley MP Maya chose projects to get a share of a £50,000 funding pot that focused on giving young people their own spaces.
Bamber Bridge Leisure Centre has been awarded £20,000 to establish a dedicated youth space that will give young people a place to meet their friends with spaces for music, art and creativity, sports and gaming.
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Longridge Youth Centre will receive £15,000 to deliver weekly Safe Space sessions for young people and use its youth information bus to offer sessions within the community.
Another £15,000 has been awarded to Friends of Conway Park in Fulwood to build a play area for 12-16-year-olds, giving them space to exercise with their friends.
All three communities had previously reported antisocial behaviour, from children’s play equipment set on fire at Conway Park to windows being smashed at Bamber Bridge, forcing the temporary closure of the leisure centre while the damage was repaired.
Maya was awarded the funding by Clive Grunshaw, the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner, to spend on initiatives that address crime and safety concerns in her constituency. The cash is split between the Ribble Valley, Preston and South Ribble areas of her constituency.
Maya said: “These three projects stood out to me because they came from communities trying to make a difference when faced with crime and antisocial behaviour. It’s so easy to blame young people when we get problems with antisocial behaviour, so I think it’s great that these projects aim to really get to the root of that, giving them somewhere to gather and activities to get involved in.”
Clive Grunshaw added: “Prevention is at the heart of my police and crime plan. By stopping crime and anti-social behaviour before it happens, we can support stronger enforcement where needed.”
Bamber Bridge councillor Clare Hunter, who is spearheading the youth project at Bamber Bridge Leisure Centre, said: “Bamber Bridge has one of the highest levels of antisocial behaviour in South Ribble and we’ve been fighting for a youth space for two years, so it’s fantastic that there’s light at the end of the tunnel thanks to Maya and the fund.”
