Joy at £20k grant for shelter

About £20,000 is to go towards providing a meeting place for young people in a Staffordshire village.

Cheslyn Hay residents have been told cash has been found for a youth shelter on the recreation ground off Station Street.

An application was lodged with Staffordshire County Council in the last financial year but it was deemed too late by the authority and a decision was delayed until this financial year. A 20-strong group of teenagers submitted a bid for £16,000 from the Youth Capital Fund last year.

However, it had to be resubmitted taking into account changes in prices due to inflation.

The 24-seat shelter will be located near to benches on the recreation ground next to the police station and Cheslyn Hay Parish Council has voiced its delight at the announcement funding has been given.

The parish council was concerned when funding was delayed as members claimed they had been given the impression there would be no problem getting the money.

But now Barry Davies, clerk to Cheslyn Hay Parish Council, said: "The grant has been awarded to the youth of Cheslyn Hay in full.

"I have now had the OK from the county council and it is brilliant news for everyone as it is something we have waited for."

Councillor Mike Boyle, chairman of the parish council, said: "We need to be grateful we have got the money because there is a lot of competition for these things. I am very grateful for everyone's work on this, it is brilliant news."

Tim Ash, spokesman for Staffordshire County Council, confirmed the grant had been awarded.

Better facilities for young people had been called for in Cheslyn Hay for several years in the hope of giving young people somewhere to go rather than gathering on various streets.