Two representatives from Birkenhead North Youth Project, Mr D Kevlin and Mr L Copson, gave a presentation to Members of the Committee.

They advised that the aim of Gautby Road Youth Club was to target young people who were causing anti-social behaviour.  They informed Members that they had been employed to do outreach work and had started the youth club three nights per week which was funded by Magenta Living, also that they are community support workers as part of the ILM project.  They reported that there had been 50 young people in attendance on the first session of opening and that they paid a sub to enter the building and had the option of a hot meal which was free of charge.  Dan and Luke advised that there were a range of activities on offer which included sports development – karate, boxing, martial arts, DJ and rapping sessions, a computer room, hair and beauty, table tennis, gaming including FIFA tournaments, a pool table and dance sessions.

Members were informed that the project’s principles were to work together to improve the area and the lives of children and to direct them on the right path in life.  It was reported that there had been a reduction in anti-social behaviour in the area.  A social supermarket was also provided where food was sourced from Fair Share and free fruit and vegetables was donated by Tesco.

Mr Kevlin and Mr Copson referred to the In Bloom project and advised that they had taken over some land situated next to the premises and had personally worked to clear the land from overgrowth and debris and had installed planters.  Children from the nursery and play scheme had also been involved.

The Chair thanked the representatives of the Birkenhead North Youth Project for their presentation.

Members expressed their thanks for the work that had been undertaken and hoped that the funding for this project would continue.

R Portbury, Merseyside Poilce, addressed the Committee.  He thanked Mr Kevlin and Mr Copson for their extremely hard work in tackling the problems of anti-social behaviour in the area.  He stated that funding was required for smaller youth clubs such as this.

Councillor McManus reiterated the thanks given to Mr Kevlin and Mr Copson for the dramatic improvement in the reduction of anti-social behaviour in the area and expressed her concern at the lack of funding available.

Colin Hunt, Sports Development Officer addressed the Committee and advised that the concept of a doorstep club was being developed which provided activities on the doorstep of where young people live.  He reported that the number of calls received in respect of anti-social behaviour had been reduced to four from twenty four per week and also hoped that there had been a reduction in the number of fires that had been started.

Members discussed the necessity for projects such as the Birkenhead North Youth Project and the Hive to work together and the fact that they would all be seeking funding.  Mr Barnes, Chief Executive of the Wirral Youth Zone, The Hive advised that he would work together with the Birkenhead North Youth Project in respect of funding.

Resolved – That Mr Kevlin and Mr Copson be thanked for their presentation.