Local MP John McDonnell hails investment in ‘Things to Do and Places to Go’ for young people

Young people in Hayes and Harlington are being urged to come up with ideas to improve ‘things to do and places to go’ for young people in the area.

Local MP John McDonnell made the call as he welcomed new funding for projects such as skate parks, basketball courts and music workshops in Hayes and Harlington.

Over the next three years the Labour Government is providing a total of £2,760,680 for Hillingdon Local Authority to invest in activities for young people.

£578,700 will be available for the Youth Opportunity Fund and £500,400 for the Youth Capital Fund - funds which have to be spent on projects for young people and decided by young people.

Local MP John McDonnell said “For years Hillingdon Council closed down youth facilities, until the Government instructed all councils to provide services for our young people and gave councils the resources to do it. This latest round of funds will enable us to open a youth centre in Charville and provide many new facilities for our young people.

“The important thing is that young people themselves are in the driving seat - they can put forward ideas for what they want to see in their community and help to decide where the money is spent.

“Because young people in our community need more things to do and places to go, I’m pleased that over the next few years we will see further investment in activities and facilities for young people in our area.

“Young people across Hayes and Harlington should think about what they would like to invest their money in, whether it is places to do sport, music or drama, revamping old facilities or getting new ones built.

“I want to hear what young people in our area would like to see - and I’m keen to do what I can to support those who come up with plans that can be made a reality”.

submitted by John on 11 Dec 2007 at 08:42