YOUNGSTERS in Watchet can set sail for their own space after the official opening this week of the town's first dedicated youth shelter. The nautical themed facility, which can seat 24, has been sited on the headland near Splash Point thanks to an agreement between the landowner, local businessman John Richards, and Watchet Town Council. Cllr Paul Chamberlain, who chairs the authority's tourism and leisure committee, said young people in the town had made it very clear that they wanted somewhere to call their own. "We have had complaints from residents over the years about youngsters using the shelters on The Esplanade and complaints from the young people themselves that they have nowhere to go. "Hopefully, this new facility will resolve both issues." Discussions between local young people, the town council, the police and West Somerset District Council community safety officer Martin Greenwood helped identify a possible location. Meanwhile grant aid from West Somerset's Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership and the district council has helped fund the £9,000 cost of the shelter, with the town council picking up around 50 per cent of the bill. Cllr Chamberlain said: "If this works out and the shelter is well used then we will certainly look into the possibility of enhancing the surrounding area on the headland for the youth." l Pictured with some of the youngsters at the opening aretown councillors Dave Westcott, Adrian Rowe and Paul Chamberlain. Photo: Steve Guscott.
