CLEVELAND Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Steve Turner has awarded funding to a project aimed at youngsters in a former mining village, in East Cleveland.
Members of Liverton Parochial Church Council run free, youth sessions. They have been told that the project helps to keep incidents of antisocial behaviour in the area low.
Now, £1,500 from the OPCC’s Community Safety Fund will help the council extend free, youth sessions to four nights per week.
Nothing to do
Alan Gardner, Project Manager and member of the Parochial Church Council, said: “There’s absolutely nothing for the children to do here really.
“The nearest youth centre/club is in Loftus and there is at least one main road to cross to get there and the little children just can’t do that.”
Cleveland PCC Steve Turner said: “This is just the type of scheme, which my office wants to fund.
“There is little to keep the young people in the village occupied apart from the youth club. It’s also shown to make a difference to ASB locally.
“It’s important that we offer young people positive activities to harness their time and energy. This will help them realise their potential. It also means that it stops them falling into bad company and committing ASB.”
Inspector Neil Deluce, of Cleveland Police’s Neighbourhood Team for Redcar, Guisborough and East Cleveland, said: “Loftus Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) regularly link in with the project and have a good relationship with the youth leaders and young people, who attend.
“The Parish Council’s Youth and Holiday Clubs offer some great activities for local children to keep them busy and engaged.“
The OPCC grant has already paid for lunch bags for children attending the centre’s summer holiday club.
More than 120 lunch bags were provided during the first two weeks of the summer holiday. This was to help families cope with the cost of living crisis. This year was the first time that the club had given away lunch bags.
The youth and holiday clubs offer a range of arts, crafts and games’ activities but have strict codes of conduct.
Anne Lennon, Youth and Family Worker, said: “If a child is caught swearing or fighting, for example, they will be subject to a yellow and red card system. If they receive a red card, they will be sent home and their parents will be informed.