Youngsters pool ideas for new leisure zone
• Boredom will be a thing of the past as ideas for harbour project take shape
by Jane Barlow
YOUNGSTERS attended a meeting at Folkestone harbour to say what they would like
to see included in a new youth centre and skate park.
The 25 teenagers asked for table tennis, pool, a games zone, Internet access, a
dance studio and a gym indoors, and for outside they want to see skating ramps,
a vending machine, a chill out area, a graffiti wall and floodlights.
Their views were given to members of the Go Folkestone Action Group who are
behind the Folkestone Youth Project and Folkestone and Hythe MP Michael Howard
who went along to see the site.
There was a three-year search for premises until businessman Roger De Haan
offered the project the use of a former warehouse, office buildings and a lorry
car park at the harbour. The area is next to Club Indigo and the group will only
be charged a peppercorn rent.
The project has £38,000 to realise its plans and they are soon to be submitted
to Shepway District Council for approval. Fund-raising is continuing.
Chairman of Go Folkestone Philip Carter said: "This has been talked about for
too long. We were struggling to find a site, but now we have one which is
perfect.
"It is is important the youth are included in the regeneration plans at the
harbour. They are our future."
It is hoped the project will be open by Easter.
Folkestone edition, Kentish Express Series, 01 February 2007
