Decision details

To develop a range of opportunities for young people including youth provision through outreach provision of hubs across the MSN ward. Developing safe spaces for young people, creating safer communities working with young people.

The Cabinet Members agree that the following be approved for implementation:

Link to existing capital programmes to approve the inclusion in the 2017/18 Capital Programme of £11,993.83 for the purchase and conversion of two shipping containers to become youth hubs placed in two areas of Midsomer Norton.

With increased funding pressures, B&NES as the Unitary Authority has increasingly relied on the Town Council and voluntary sector to provide universal youth service coverage in Midsomer Norton. With the sale of the Laterz building next to Sainsbury's, Midsomer Norton Town Council stepped in and has funded the Norton Youth Club (NYC) in recent years, based in the Town Hall and operated by a working partnership of the Midsomer Norton Community Trust and the Wansdyke Play Association.

However, feedback from extensive consultation with young people clearly shows that they are in need of a safe space. The Town Hall, whilst central and ideal as a meeting place, is not enough. Areas such as Orchard Vale, Gullock Tyning (by the Adventure Play and Skate Park), Radstock Road and Hillside have a greater need which is difficult to meet with a single central service provision in the Town Hall.

This has further been borne out by feedback recently from the Writhlington Sports Trust who now operates the Midsomer Norton Sports Centre, Skate & Adventure Play Park. Their finding is that young people want outreach activity and the sense of a ‘safe place’ they can regard as their own -where they ‘hang out’. However, without improved provision the Midsomer Norton Community Trust believes that the town is failing its young people.

To develop project centrally – the consultation showed this would not meet the needs of young people.

To not carry out programme – although this is an option pressure from young people and communities regarding the needs of young people has made this a priority programme for the Midsomer Norton area.