From http://www.thewellingtonnews.co.uk/


Multi-agency approach wins for Wellington

Residents in two areas of Wellington are working with police and other organisations in a bid to provide more leisure activities for teenagers.

The Wellington Youth Engagement Group - a new multi-agency partnership jointly led by West Mercia Police and The Wrekin Housing Trust, was set up earlier this year. Other partners include Connexions 4 Youth and 3 departments of Telford & Wrekin Council.

The Group recently sent out a questionnaire to residents living on both the Gas Works (Hollies Road) and Arleston estates, asking them about their concerns in the area in which they live and the facilities they would like to see, particularly for young people. Simultaneously a youth survey was carried out amongst 9 - 16 year olds.

Nearly 300 replies were returned, with a good response from young people. The Group has analysed the consultation results and prioritised project ideas, several of which they plan to deliver during school holidays with the support of local residents of all ages.

Sergeant Chris Miller, of the Wellington Local Policing Team, said: "We had a good reaction from a lot of residents and received some positive feedback about what they would like to see in the area.

"There are several exciting ideas in the pipeline, with at least one project currently being planned for the summer holidays: a graffiti art project run by a local artist, Neil Willis. There will be a mural design workshop on 12th August followed by painting days on 20th and 21st August at local venues.

"The group has only been set up for a short time but we are already making a lot of progress."

He added: "One of the questions we asked people as part of the questionnaire was whether they would be willing to help out with any future projects. We have received a positive response and are looking forward to working together with residents in the coming months.

"If any more local residents would like to volunteer to help out with either project development or on working groups, the WYEG would be pleased to hear from them. Please contact your Local Policing Team, or The Wrekin Housing Trust's West Team based in Tan Bank, or Connexions 4 Youth at Ringway House".

Residents who took the time to complete the questionnaire and provided contact details were entered into a draw to win a voucher of their choice to the value of £50 for adults and £25 for young people. There were 2 vouchers available for each estate.

A draw of questionnaire entrants was made at the Watling Community Centre in St Giles Close in Arleston on Thursday 3rd July and the 4 winners will be contacted by the Partnership very soon.

The Wellington Youth Engagement Group will be employing Mr Willis of AuniqueArt to deliver the graffiti art project in Wellington this summer.