£10,000 youth shelter opened

YOUNG people in East Preston have been given a new place to hang out in the village.

A 10,000 youth shelter at the Lashmar Recreation Ground was officially opened on Wednesday, May 30, by Adam Fox, a member of East Preston Youth Centre.

The shelter was set up after members of the youth centre asked East Preston Parish Council to provide a place for young people in the area to meet and even made a video to support their cause which was shown to councillors.

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Convinced by the group's please, the parish council resolved to support the project.

Officers from Arun's parks and greenspace department then worked alongside the group to discuss what kind of shelter they would like to have.

The finished product, known as a "monster shelter" has a dark green steel framework and covered seats.

The parish council contributed 7,000 towards the cost of building it, with the balance of 3,000 was provided by Arun's Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP).

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Anne Harberson, chairman of the parish council's amenities committee, said: "We are delighted to have been able to work with the young people at the youth centre to achieve this shelter, a direct result of their initiative and persistence. Well done to them!"

Roger Elkins, chairman of the CDRP, said: "I am delighted that the CDRP has been able to contribute to such a worthwhile project.

"We are keen to offer facilities for those who just want somewhere to gather and socialise and at the same time feel safe.

"The youth shelter will hopefully provide this and deter those congregating in other areas, which can be intimidating."

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