Outdoor areas for young people

Rushmoor Borough Council's Cabinet has agreed to look at providing more outdoor sports areas and meeting places for young people aged 12 - 16 years.

Young people in Aldershot and Farnborough have requested additional multi use games areas and youth shelters across the Borough.

Councillor Diane Bedford, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Youth says: "the Council has already developed a wide range of free outdoor facilities including tennis, basketball, football, skateboarding, BMX bikes and youth shelters. We would like to add to our facilities and provide appropriate outdoor activity areas for young people, which have the support of the local community in the area where they are placed."

The Council has identified seven proposed locations which will be assessed to see if they are suitable venues. The areas include Pyestock, Water Lane, Pinewood Park, Cove Green, Moor Road, Napier Gardens and Redan Hill. The Council will also be liaising with local football clubs to find out if there is the opportunity to develop multi-use games areas close to their pitches.

Councillor Graham Tucker, Cabinet Member for Safety and Regulation says: "I am very pleased with the way this has been arrived at, working with many agencies to provide a solution for those areas that are recognised as areas that need support. It is not a case of he or she who shouts the loudest in this instance. It is recognised that young people mature by socialising and will seek local outdoor areas away from direct adult supervision to meet, that ideally provide activity, protection from weather, somewhere to sit and some form of lighting so they feel safe. Without planned provision young people often find unsuitable areas, such as on street corners, outside local shops, within car parks, on benches, walls and small grass areas near residential properties and playgrounds. These gatherings often cause concern to local residents, increasing their fear of crime and anti-social behaviour."

The provision of multi-use games areas (£40,000 each) and youth shelters (£15,000 each) will be funded from developers' contributions as and when appropriate. The Council will also be seeking grants to help with the costs, as well as sponsorship from local companies.

The Council will carry out feasibility studies on each of the requests with full involvement of local residents, ward Councillors, relevant organisations and young people, to ensure there is local ownership and that it is appropriate to proceed.

For further information call Peter Amies, Head of Community, tel: (01252) 398750.