Pebsham youth club a community effort

The Pebsham Chill Zone, named by the young people who were instrumental in creating the club, holds a Dominoes Pizza and Music Night next Thursday, February 25 at Pebsham Community Centre, Seabourne Road.

Jeannie Prince, group leader for the club and community voice representative for Amicus Horizon, said: "We've been doing activities with the young people for the last couple of years, with East Sussex County Council's (ESCC) Youth Development Service, and the District Council, and now they have become motivated to do things for themselves.

"One of the things they started talking about was a youth club. They went out and started talking to residents about it and applying for funding. It's clear that Pebsham needs it."

Bexhill Police, after hearing about the scheme, contributed six months rent. Affordable Housing groups Orbit and Amicus also helped out.

Louise Quinland, volunteer and secretary for the new club, which caters for 11-17-year-olds, described the can-do attitude of the town's businesses as "amazing".

Danny Okines, manager of newly opened Dominoes Pizza in Sea Road, offered 30 large pizzas with dips and extras for their opening night, which is free to attend.

Pebsham School printed the groups leaflets and posters, and the equipment was bought with a 1,500 grant won by the youngsters themselves from ESCC's Youth Bank.

Louise added: "We have found the response we have had from people has been amazing. And that's what we're trying to get back - community spirit. We owe them all a big thank you."

The club, which will meet in the centre every Thurday from 7pm-9pm, will be structured, rather than a drop-in zone, and will concentrate on anti-drugs and anti-bullying messages.

Jeannie said: "We hope to make this club a great success. We just want it to work, and give the young people somewhere to go, to meet other young people, make friends and grow up."

For information on the club or the night, contact 07908971009.