Teens "gutted" after play area setback
A group of young people have been left "gutted" after their plans to improve the community were dashed.
The team of teenagers had secured a 5,000 grant from East Sussex County Council (ESCC) to pay for a new games area in Howlett Close, St Leonards.
But Amicus Horizon, which owns the land, said that space had already been earmarked for a landscaped grass area.
Ed Clarke, 37, whose children live nearby in Parsons Close and were excited by the plans, said: "It strikes me as a huge breakdown of communication and it is a really poor show."
Local teenagers spent weeks putting together the funding bid to ESCC's Youth Bank scheme which awards cash to projects suggested and overseen by under-18s.
They were delighted when the Youth Bank offered them 5,000 in January but their joy was short-lived when they discovered the scheme was impossible.
"The group have put a massive amount of hard work and they just wanted to do something positive for the area," said Mr Clarke.
"Ultimatley it is the kids who will lose out and it is not good enough.
They say they have nothing to do and although kids hanging around can
create a fear of crime, this would have given them a place to play football."
Mr Clarke said he was disappointed with AmicusHorizon and local ESCC member Councillor Phil Scott, who he said knew the bid would be a waste of time.
But Cllr Scott strongly denied that claim and both he and Amicus Horizon say they are committed to looking at alternatives for this group to use.
"I only knew about the bid after it had been put together," said Cllr Scott.
"I understand their frustrations but this site has a history of anti-social behaviour and in general the residents were against it.
"In the long term it makes sense to look for a more appropriate site and that is something I would very much support."
Jane Porter, regional director for Amicus Horizon said: "We actively consult with residents on how they want to see their areas improved and developed.
"As improvements were already agreed for this site, we were unable to consider this proposal, but in order to accommodate the Youth Bank's suggestion, a couple of alternative recommendations have been made."
The multi-use area at New Horizons School in Tilebarn Road and the redevelopment of a nearby play area in Parsons Close are both being looked at, and an ESCC spokesman said: "We are encouraging them to make a fresh bid to Youth Bank for the new plans and admire their continued enthusiasm despite setbacks."
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Weather for Hastings
Monday 28 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 11 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
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