Youngsters pride in youth club

This is our hut and we are proud of it.That was the message yesterday from a group of youngsters at a new Great Yarmouth youth club, which is helping to reduce anti-social behaviour.

This is our hut and we are proud of it.

That was the message yesterday from a group of youngsters at a new Great Yarmouth youth club, which is helping to reduce anti-social behaviour.

Every Thursday afternoon, about a dozen children rush to take part in fun activities at Fusion, which is based in the Middlegate Community Association hut in Townsend Close.

The youngsters also discuss problems such as anti-social behaviour and bullying and

have even drawn up their own code of conduct, such as no shouting, keeping mobile phones on silent and respecting each other.

Because of the club's positive attitude in promoting good behaviour over the last five months, the number of incidents of anti-social behaviour reported in the area has fallen dramatically.

Yesterday, one of the prime movers behind the group, police community support officer for south Yarmouth Heather Wright, could be seen helping the Fusion members make colourful door hangers

She said: “It gives them something to do and teaches them how to respect each other and other people.

“You can hear the children calling it 'their hut' and they are all very proud of it.”

PCSO Wright is joined every Thursday by Raychel Marcus, Norfolk County Council youth worker.

The work of both women in helping to promote a positive image for the Middlegate area was praised by Michael Blank, treasurer of the Middlegate Community Association.

He said: “You don't need large facilities to try to change things - you just need the will. It is tremendous what the club is doing.

“Five years ago, the Middlegate area had a large anti-social problem, especially with burnt- out cars.

“Now the main complaint is snowball fights - that is a massive change in behaviour.”