Provision in the Parish for Older Children

The Parish Council is aware that there is little play provision for older children within Lickey and Blackwell. With the recent play area being installed at Blackwell, it is becoming increasingly apparent that there is no space for those who perhaps have outgrown swings, but would still like somewhere not too far from home.

The Parish Council have set up a page here on their blog and are inviting youngsters to submit their comments and ideas about what they would like to see in their area. Maybe just somewhere they can all gather safely, play football or just chat?

This project is at its’ very early stages yet, and until the Parish Council have established whether there actually is a need, there will be no movement on this. It is, however, something that the Parish Council is inviting people to comment on.

Your thoughts and ideas are warmly invited onto the blog. The Parish Council will update residents in the next newsletter.

Comments

[Janet King]

As founder and leader of Youth Blackwell I am aware of the wishes/needs of a group of young people (13 - 16yrs)in our parish. In discussions about leisure needs, the following are perceived as current needs;
a small local skateboard/biking area within the village. Sanders Park is popular but not easily accessible. Our members know that a large installation would not be possible but would welcome a small area in a recreation ground, where they can meet friends and enjoy their wheels.
A meeting place (our youth club is open only once per week)with shelter where they can relax without worrying older residents.
The difficulty which we perceive is that there seems to be no land, which can be developed as a public leisure space despite the fact that much of our parish consists of green fields. To young people this is very puzzling.
If all else fails, at least there should be a much better local transport system so that Mum and Dad do not always have t be chauffeurs.

[Janet King]

Although we have had some very useful and interesting suggestions already re. leisure facilities for our local teens the Parish Council has now produced a questionnaire for all 10 to 16yrs and we shall be distributing these in the next few weeks to youngsters on their way to school.We should be grateful if parents could encourage their offspring to complete and return them to us so that a decision can be made about the amenities, which we should provide.