REPORT REVEALS £150K BOOST FOR YOUNG PEOPLE (Kirklees Liberal Democrats)

Kirklees Liberal Democrats <info@kirkleeslibdems.org.uk>

REPORT REVEALS £150K BOOST FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

February 20, 2008 5:59 AM

A major Council report into recent youth sports shows that extra cash invested by Lib Dem Councillors in Kirklees is having a positive impact on young people's activities across parts of Dewsbury, Huddersfield and the Spen Valley.

The report explains how the money, totalling £150,000 over three years, will ensure that hundreds of young people can take part in new activities including football tournaments, skate boarding events, play events and arts and music activities. The report states that "the additional funding has better equipped the Young people's Service… securing programmes that are valued by the whole community".

Two separate projects have been set up. The first, focussed on football, will see more than 100 young people aged 13-19 engaged in sports, arts and education across the Kirklees area. This programme will be targeted at young people who may be causing nuisance behaviour, and will provide an opportunity to secure awards and qualifications. The second project will provide extra play activities for 8-12 year olds in Batley, Dewsbury, Huddersfield and the Spen Valley. Again the project will aim to cut antisocial behaviour.

Cllr Wilkinson (Lib Dem, Almondbury Ward) said: "This report is really encouraging. The Lib Dem group wanted to invest cash in extra activities for local young people. It is important that we put money into projects which will be popular and provide a mixture of fun and education.

"One of the clear aims of these projects is to reduce antisocial behaviour. By investing in positive things for young people to do, we can cut crime and make our communities safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

"I am looking forward to watching these projects develop."