Revamp plan for Norfolk village youth facilities
Kate ScotterHopes are high that �115,000 can be raised to ramp up youth facilities in a village on the outskirts of Norwich.Kate Scotter
Hopes are high that �115,000 can be raised to ramp up youth facilities in a village on the outskirts of Norwich.
Taverham Parish Council is bidding for thousands of pounds to convert the old ball sports area on Thorpe Marriott green into the 'TMGreen Arena'.
Once completed, the area will provide skateboarding and BMX ramps for youngsters and a seating area so that young people have somewhere to go.
Sally Wilson-Town, from the parish council, said: "The balls court is very run down and used very, very rarely. It's very unpleasant and an eyesore.
"We asked the young people what they wanted and they said they wanted somewhere for BMX and skateboarding. We've got the plans drawn up, so now it's just a case of raising the funds."
Under the plans, the project will recycle the old balls court and will provide maintenance-free ramps which will be suitable for skateboards, bikes and scooters.
Most Read
- 1 House swap sees woman move into home infested with fleas
- 2 £3,000 worth of beauty products stolen from Sainsbury's store
- 3 Woman with incurable cancer left devastated after car and jewellery stolen
- 4 Your chance to meet The Bill star who has moved to Norfolk
- 5 Eight-bed detached house in NR3 up for auction for £300k
- 6 Party in the Park coming to Norwich with global food, stalls and music
- 7 Homes plan for former Start-Rite shoe factory site rejected
- 8 Independent city store 'honoured' to be named UK's retailer of the year
- 9 M&S to close 32 stores as part of move away from town centres
- 10 Norwich man charged with kidnap after posing as a taxi driver
Some of the ramps will also be low enough to be used by disabled people and it is envisaged that younger children will play in the area when the older children are not there.
Graffiti artist Tony Allen, who has been involved in projects at Anglia Square in Norwich, will also get involved in the scheme.
The parish council has raised �40,000 so far - half from Broadland District Council and the rest from its own funds - and this week put in a grant bid.
The plans were drawn up after five months of consultation, including input from Taverham High School, Taverham Junior School and the Taverham Massive Youth Club.
Mrs Wilson-Town added: "The kids have had a say about what they want which is important because they are the ones who are going to use it. We are working in collaboration with them at every stage of the project."
� Is your community doing something for young people? Call reporter Kate Scotter on 01603 772326 or email kate.scotter@archant.co.uk
