MP HAILS INVESTMENT IN ‘THINGS TO DO AND PLACES TO GO’ FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN STOCKPORT

Young people in Stockport are being urged to come up with ideas to improve “things to do and places to go” to provide positive entertainment to keep youngsters off the streets.

Ann Coffey made the call as she welcomed £2.5 million of new funding for Stockport young people from the government for the next three years for projects such as skate parks, basketball courts, youth centres and music workshops.

The cash, for 2008 to 2011, has to be spent on projects for young people and decided by young people.

It is hoped to provide activities that young people want, at times that suit them, especially at flash point times, such as Friday and Saturday nights and when boredom can lead young people to flirt with dangerous behaviour.

Stockport has already been allocated £500,000 for young people for 2006-07  and successful bids for that money have included  £11,705 for Brinnington Youth Forum to refurbish the outside football pitch; £50,000 for the Newbridge Centre and £15,000 for Stockport Young Women’s Forum.

Ms Coffey said: 

“I am pleased that young people in my constituency have already benefited from money that has come along and now there is a further £2.5million to spend. 

“The important thing is that young people themselves are in the driving seat – they can put forward ideas for what they want to see in their community and help to decide where the money is spent.

“Because young people in Stockport need more things to do and places to go, I’m pleased that over the next few years we will see further investment in activities and facilities for young people in our area.

“Young people across Stockport should think about what they would like to invest this money in, whether it’s places to do sport, music or drama, revamping old facilities or getting new ones built.

“I want to hear what young people in our area would like to see – and I’m keen to do what I can to support those who come up with plans that can be made a reality.”

Ms Coffey also welcomed the Government’s new Children’s Plan, which will allow for investment in 3,500 new or rebuilt play areas nationally and dozens of large-scale adventure playgrounds and assault courses designed to lure 8 to 13 year olds away from computer games, street corners and to combat obesity.