Talks to have a new youth shelter in Brookside
The Brookside Safer Streets team are in talks with youth groups, young people and other local residents about installing a brand new youth shelter in the area to replace the old one in the children’s play area by Windmill Primary School.
Young people who use the shelter have complained that it is not a comfortable place to gather, as it is too open to the elements and has no proper seating.
The location of the existing shelter has also been raised as an issue by residents who feel it would be better located away from the children’s play area.
(Pictured - current shelter and proposed new shelter)
These concerns have been reiterated during the Brookside Safer Streets consultation on proposed measures to make this area of Brookside a safer and nicer place to live.
Upgrading the shelter and finding a more suitable location that is better lit and accessible to the police on their patrols could now be included as part of the wider improvements to the area, which are happening thanks to a successful £550,000 bid to the Home Office Safer Streets fund.
West Mercia Police Safer Neighbourhood Team (South) Inspector, Sean Brennan, said: “Young people need a safe place to gather and socialise away from adults – this is how they mature. It is true that they will sometimes make fools of themselves and be boisterous, but it is better that they do this in a safe space out of harm’s way. Youth shelters provide that safe space.
“Evidence clearly shows that youth shelters reduce nuisance behaviour if they are fit for purpose and in the right place. The current one is damaged, covered in graffiti and not at all comfortable.”
As well as a new design, the proposal includes relocating the shelter away from the children’s play area in front of the school to the green space between Briarwood and Beaconsfield to the side of the school, which is a more open and accessible space. The proposed location will also benefit from improved lighting and new CCTV surveillance which are being installed with the Home Office funding.
Cllr Richard Overton, Telford & Wrekin Council cabinet member for community safety and local ward councillors agree that a decent youth shelter is sorely needed in the area.
Cllr Overton said: “A new shelter would be a welcome improvement to the one that’s there at the moment. It will also compliment the other improvements happening in Brookside. There’s a fantastic community spirit and the young people deserve somewhere that they can meet up and feel safe.”
Cllr Arnold England, one of the area’s ward councillors added: ““The new design being considered is partially covered with better seating for the young people and is also portable, so we will be able to move it if needed.”
The Brookside Safer Streets partners are now talking with young people, community groups and residents on the youth shelter proposal and suggested relocation. They will then decide whether or not the youth shelter project will be included as part of the wider investment scheme to improve the area.
