New Youth Shelter to be installed this month

Shipston’s youngsters will soon have a new place to gather and socialise thanks to the combined efforts of the Safer Neighbourhood Team, Shipston Town Council, Stratford District Council and the youngsters themselves.

As previously reported (Shipston Forum, March 2013), the shelter concept was agreed as a priority at a recent Community Forum meeting.

Following the award of a larger than expected grant from the town council last month, PCSO Andy Steventon was tasked with finding out what type of shelter young people really wanted, and finding a suitable solution within a budget of[nbsp]£5,000.

After discussion with students at the High School and youngsters in the town, it became clear that the shelter needed to be inviting and weather-proof, while avoiding a closed structure that would restrict visibility and accessibility.

Following careful research and some impressive bartering by Andy Steventon, a new shelter has been purchased from Sutcliffe Play and is due to be installed mid to late April. The structure has been custom made and finished to match the existing materials at the Skate Park, where the shelter will be installed.

Andy Steventon said “I have been overwhelmed by the amount of support and the speed with which we have been able to progress this project. I’m delighted we have been

able to find the right solution for Shipston’s youngsters and would like to thank everyone who has helped this project come to fruition.”

Mayor, Fay Ivens, added “Shipston Town Council is very pleased to have been able to fund this shelter as part of our commitment to improving services for younger people. We hope to see the shelter put to good use in the coming months.”