An exciting new ‘bus’ service launched by Wigan Council is providing weekly action-packed evenings for children and young people from the Borough.
The specially-adapted truck, manned by youth workers from the Voice and Engagement Team alongside Gateway Activity staff, parks up outside a Margaret Street park, Beach Hill, every Friday night.
Complete with tables, chairs and a ‘chill-out area’ with a large television, alongside a host of outdoor sports equipment, the bus has become a popular hang-out for Wigan’s young people.
And youth worker Therese Downham, the project’s spearhead, admitted its success could see it rolled out for longer than the initial eight-week trial period.
“We have managed to capture the young people’s imaginations with the sessions and they really want the project to continue beyond the eight weeks,” she said.
“We have been asking them to tell us what they would like to see more of and we have had plenty of responses.
“Some have said they want more and better play equipment, whilst others have said they would like something like a bench or tables in the part to act as a meeting place.
“Once we have gathered all the suggestions and decided on the best one we will be asking the young people to put together their own bid for funding to make it become a reality.”
One such youngster, 11-year-old Jack Berry, wishes the activities were available more than just once a week.
“I really look forward to Fridays now,” he said. “It’s given us loads of good things to do and we want it to stay.
“We would like more kids to come along as well – that would make it even better. I wish it was here every night!”
And 12-year-old Callum Finch also believes the new activities have given him something to look forward to on a Friday, rather than just playing computer games.
“It’s been much better since I’ve been coming to this on a Friday,” he explained. “This is a good place to meet with other children and do some exciting stuff.”
Ms Downham, who explained the group has relied on word-of-mouth to attract new people, believes the bus has now become a popular part of the Beach Hill area.
Despite never having been in the area before, they are now planning a summer celebration event with community members invited to join the activities.
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