Albany Park Youth Pub Zone Is Here To Stay
The popular Youth Pub Zone held at the Albany Public House, Albany Park, Sidcup has reached the end of its trial period and due to its overwhelming success is set to become a permanent meeting place for young people.
The Youth Pub Zone, a joint project with Bexley Council and the Local Safer Neighbourhoods Policing Team, held its official opening in February.
Cabinet Member for Community Affairs, Cllr Katie Perrior paid a visit to the Zone during its first week and was impressed by the idea and the enthusiasm behind the project. She says; "It was clear back in February that this was going to be a popular scheme with local young people. The team behind the zone have created an alternative to youth clubs and at the same time have helped to deal with crime and disorder concerns that residents associate with young people hanging around with nothing to do."
"I am delighted that the zone is now permanent thanks to partnership work with the Safer Neighbourhood Team and the local community. I hope that the young people will continue to treat their Youth Pub Zone with the respect it deserves."
Working together Safer Neighbourhoods Officer, PC Craig Johnson and Bexley Council Youth Worker, Esther Horner were the driving force behind the Zone.
Following consultation with traders and residents concerned with crime and disorder in the area, PC Johnson approached the Albany licensees, Kevin and Jackie Bell, to see if they would be willing to give up their function room on a regular basis to local young people. After paying a visit to a similar successful scheme in Kent, Esther and PC Johnson set about creating a safe meeting place where there is always something to do.
The Pub Youth Zone fun includes tabletop football, table tennis, an Xbox and regular arts and crafts activities. The Zone also has three laptop computers, two provided by the Council with help from Ward Councillor Cllr Alan Downing, and one with funding from the Government's Youth Opportunity Fund. There are also plans for future outings and projects. And if all this activity is too much, there is space to just sit and chat!
"Thanks to support from the Albany publicans, Bexley Council Youth Workers and the local community the project has become a part of everyday life for the young people of Albany Park;" says PC Johnson. "It's great to see the energy that the young people bring to the zone and their pride in belonging to something so unique."
The club meets every Wednesday from 7.30pm and is open to young people between 11 and 19. No alcohol is available to the young people at the club and they are not able to gain access to the pub. To find out more contact Bexley Council Area Youth Co-Ordinator Esther Horner on 07875 662623.
