Booze-free bar for Runcorn teens to open at Hope Corner Youth Centre

Jul 2 2009 by Paul Glynn, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

BORING weekends are to be made a thing of the past for Runcorn teenagers with the launch of a new booze-free bar.

Young people from the town have been given permission to install a bar at Hope Corner Youth Centre on Friday and Saturday nights, after successfully applying for funding through the Government’s Aiming High strategy.

Members of the Xcel Chill project at the youth centre convinced a panel that they should qualify for a £10,000 grant.

The scheme is being operated by the church-based charity Kids First.

It aims to keep young people who are at risk of falling into anti-social behaviour off the streets at weekends and to encourage them to socialise in a safe and comfortable environment.

The bar is currently being built and will be launched on Friday July 10.

Teenagers attending Hope Corner can also make use of the the cyber cafe, play on an Xbox with a wide-screen TV and learn new skills including jewellery-making.

The centre also provides sports sessions, arts and crafts classes and activities such as dance classes.

Mike Bullock, aged 15, of Grange Way, Runcorn, said: “Xcel Chill is amazing and I come every Saturday night to play games and watch DVDs.

“If I wasn’t there, I’d just be sitting at home feeling bored with nothing to do.”

Dawn Primarolo, Minister for Children and Young People said: “It’s no surprise that young people want and need weekend activities. In a recent survey 66% of young people said that having more activities to do would keep them out of trouble.

“So this is a fantastic opportunity for local authorities to really look at the type of youth provision in their area and involve young people so that they are given a say in the activities on offer.”

She added: “Preventing young people from getting involved in anti-social behaviour is everyone’s responsibility and we’re playing our part by making sure the support and funding is available.”

For more information about gaining similar funding, contact Rob Warburton at Halton Youth Service on 01928 583 322.

For more information about the free launch day visit www.direct.gov.uk/getinvolved