Burnham-On-Sea News
New Burnham-On-Sea Youth Shelter Opens
Residents in Burnham-On-Sea are to get a new youth shelter after Mid Burnham Local Action Team (LAT) in partnership with Sedgemoor District Council have achieved their goal of installing a new facility at Winchester Road.
The shelter, which has been installed adjacent to the existing Multi Use Games Area (pictured right), will be a focal point for teenagers to gather informally and will provide them with a sheltered place that they can call their own.
This exemplarily project has been made possible by the active fundraising efforts of the LAT and include receiving £7,000 grant aid from Living Spaces, £1,000 from Avon and Somerset Constabulary, £500 from King Alfred’s School, £200 from Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge Lions Club and £8,000 from Sedgemoor District Council towards the installation of the youth shelter and new footpath link.
The official opening of the ceremony will take place on Tuesday 10th August at 2.30pm by the Chairman of Sedgemoor District Council, Councillor Ann Bown.
Barrie Whittle, Chairman of the Mid Burnham Local Action Team, said: “When you see a project like this come to fruition and see all age groups enjoying the outcome, it makes all the hard work behind the scenes worth while.”
“It’s been enjoyable working in partnership with the local police, councils and other local agencies; it proves teamwork really can be beneficial. Last, but not least, I would like to thank the support of Living Spaces, Avon and Somerset Police and King Alfred’s School for financially backing this project.”
Background
The Mid Burnham Local Action Team (LAT) was created in 2003 in conjunction with the Avon and Somerset Constabulary under the Crime & Disorder Act 1998. As part of the need to understand the main issues of concern for the community, the LAT carried out local consultation (contacting approx 700 households in the immediate area), so that they could specifically target their energies in addressing the concerns of the community.
The survey highlighted concern from the community over the apparent increase in youth disaffection in the area and it was therefore decided that the team should assist the community by providing more youth facilities in the area i.e. installing a youth shelter at Winchester Road Playing Field. A comprehensive study by the Thames Valley Police Force has found that by providing facilities such as youth shelters or even a designated space can help reduce crime and anti social behaviour.
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