'Teen shelter' park plans awarded £5,000

The new teen shelter will be at The Adams Recreation Ground

Plans to create a shelter for teenagers to hang out in have received £5,000 from a community fund.

The money was given to the Adams Recreation Ground, in St Bees, near Whitehaven in Cumbria, with Cumberland Council calling the project "a top priority" for the community.

It will provide a space for about six young people to socialise in, with gym equipment and football pitches outside.

Michael Rowell, chair of trustees for the Adams Recreation Ground, said they hoped it could be installed early next year.

"It's very encouraging, it's going to be an enhancement to the village," Mr Rowell said.

He added it would "address a need", and give young people something to do away from their phones and help tackle anti-social behaviour.

There will be a consultation with nearby residents about the most suitable location for the shelter.

Mr Rowell said the facility was the first step towards expanding the ground's offer for young people.

There are hopes a pavilion at the site could be transformed to host a youth club, as well as other community services.

Future improvements also include construction of a four-lane running track, a hill-climb running track and a disability access path around the entire site.

'Every corner thrive'

Funding for the teen shelter has been provided by the Whitehaven and Coastal Community Panel, which directs Cumberland Council's community investment.

The panel also awarded £7,740 towards a project by Cumbria Wildlife Trust to increase biodiversity and £6,100 to Copeland Age and Advice Service for converting a warehouse at Haig Enterprise Park into a space where equipment would be fitted to help people live independently.

Panel chair Gillian Troughton said the projects covered "a range of ages and people".

"We want to see every corner of our communities thrive," the Labour councillor said.

"These projects cover a range of ages and people, and support the things our residents have told us are important - including addressing inequality, activities for young people, and natural spaces."