Ashmore Park Youth Club News

Ashmore Park Youth Club continues to impress the Ashmore Park Police Liaison Committee with its attempts to involve the youth on the estate and the Youth Workers enthusiasm for their role.

Councillor Phil Bateman said " there is always a lot of attention on what is not working and very little attention given to what is working. I am so impressed with the way that the Youth Workers are taking up their roles. There is a real effort being made to get young people into sport and other activities that interest them.

I am as pleased as punch that for instance on Monday nights the Wolves football coaching is attracting upwards of 80 -100 young people. I am also pleased that the APYC is supporting the development of skateboarding and the call for a new skate park. I think it is brilliant that the youngsters from APYC made their own presentation to the recent Wednesfield Forum asking for funding to develop the skate park on Ashmore Park.

I know when I am campaigning for this funding that I am backed by a very enthusiastic bunch of young people that want to take on this development, not only that but want to involve them selves in the design and construction. Indeed the Youth Club is heavily involved in designs for the ramps that skate boarders use.

I am very keen to see the City Council do their part and help provide the resources for a skate park here in the Ward. I am meeting with the Leader of the Council soon. I shall certainly be arguing strongly with my colleague Councillor Dave Jones for some heavy weight backing for this leisure facility.

That is not the only things going on in the APYC there is a huge rumour circulating the estate that a 'band' has been formed and the music is good. We are all waiting for its debut! Other projects taking youngsters interest is a 'virtual babies' programme and sex and health education, singing drama and an alternative sports project. The Youth Workers are trying all they can to break up gangs that are not part of the organised events, and are trying to attract them into the structure. There is also a recruitment drive to find two more staff to help with the programme. As I have said I think those that are involved with APYC are doing a brilliant job and I fully support them in their endeavours."