Chellaston and Shelton Lock Community Panel have set up a new youth initiative, which will see a 12 week programme of events and activities for young people rolled out across the area.

Derby City Council’s Youth Service and the Community Panel, which consists of tenant representatives from Derby Homes, have joined forces to develop and fund the project. Derbyshire Constabulary at Cotton Lane Police Station have added their backing to the venture with a £500 donation.

The scheme will provide young people, aged 13 and upward, with the opportunity to take part in a range of activities within a safe environment. Tenants have identified the need to provide more facilities for younger residents on the estate and the project is one of the first steps in achieving this goal.

Councillor Fareed Hussain, Cabinet Member for Adult Services, said: “This is an excellent initiative on the part of the Youth Service and the local residents on the Community Panel.  The scheme makes a valuable addition to the activities already available to young people in the area and I warmly endorse it.”

Dennis Rees, Chair of Derby Homes said: “I am really pleased that the local Community Panel is supporting this work. It’s good news for young and old in Chellaston, because it gives youngsters something positive to do and so helps to reduce nuisance and vandalism.”

Activities started on Wednesday 20 September at the Community Welfare Centre in Shelton Lock. They will continue to run alongside the mobile project work delivered by the City Council’s Youth Service.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the group can contact John Taylor, at Derby City Council Youth Services, on 01332 345538.

Derby Homes tenants, who are interested in getting involved in local issues, can get in touch with their local Community Panel. More information is available at Derby Homes housing offices.