March 2009
For some background on our project this was started about a year ago, when the detached youth workers (Simon and Karen and volunteer Will) encouraged young people to voice there views and concerns at the local PACT meeting. A group of young BMX/skaters spoke about the need to maintain and improve the skating facilities in Shepton. The young people were successful at the meeting and they were voted in as the top priority.
Shortly after this meeting the BMX/Skating steering group was formed and was supported by Avon and Somerset Police (PCSO Guy Dury). The group were concerned that their skate park would share the same fate as the Glastonbury skate park which had just been demolished due to safety reasons.
The groups first task was to do there own risk assessment of their park, they took photos and ask skaters what work they felt was needed to keep it maintained. This report was submitted to MDC who then used it as a guide lines for there annual repairs.
Part of there risk assessment recognised that young people were putting themselves at risk by congregating /sitting on the ramps which meant they were in the line of those that were trying to ride it. A temporary solution of a park seat was supplied by MDC.
The other issue was that some young people were taking shelter under the football stadium, which in it self caused problems for the football club as often rubbish and class was left on the pitch. The group decided that the area would benefit from a youth shelter, which provides seating and shelter from the weather and are young people vandal proof. Also at the same time the group were looking at the possibility of getting a BMX dirt track and another shelter to go with it.
Funding success – came in two forms, the group applied to Youth opportunity funding panel (Somerset County Council) for the skate park youth shelter.
Dave from GRASP (group’s response for actions on Shepton problems) heard about the groups work and decided to write a letter to the local paper to ask for funding support. SMASH (Shepton Mallet and surrounding Hamlets) came forward and the group presented their project to them and were granted funding for the dirt track and the seconded shelter.
The steering group which consists of young people, youth workers, police and local volunteers have worked considerably hard towards getting this funding and sorting out all the unseen issues that have arisen along the way. But now their hard work has started to pay off, they now have two lovely youth shelters, the one which was funded by SMASH has an extra exciting package which consists of solar panel lighting, and blue tooth radio kit which young people can link to their mobile phones and play music. The other shelter funded by YOF is just standard but the group would like to up grade it once they have raised some more funding.
SMASH have also given funding for a dirt track which will be placed next to the existing skate park, this is due to be installed in July.
The steering group and Shepton Mallet Young People’s Centre would like to take this opportunity to thank all that have supported them in their vision to enhance the playing facilities for young people in Shepton Mallet.
Local residents/business men/women and the police of Shepton have pledged money towards the up keep of these great facilities and to organise training riding days and JAM competitions for all to enjoy.. A BIG THANK YOU TO YOU ALL
Please check here for our progress.
If you would like to know more, donate funding or time to the project please contact Andrea White – Area Youth Worker on (01749) 344344 or e-mail Awhite1@somerset.gov.uk
Next steering group meeting is on 9th April. Join us.
