Bedfordshire Pilgrims Housing Association (bpha) is helping young people to take control of a games area construction site at Love’s Farm in St Neots.

The young people, aged between 7 and 14, are being given the chance to work with both bpha and Huntingdonshire District Council to decide on the colours, structure, and style of the new games area.

Katie Baldwin, Community Development Officer for bpha, said that the project started after residents stated that they wanted more community activities for young people living in the area.

“As the play area in Love’s Farm, we really wanted to make sure that the young people owned the space and had the chance to tell us what they wanted the area to look like.

“Everyone has had a lot of fun getting involved in the development of this first games area, with a view to giving them the chance to take part in the design of other parks and play areas in the future.”

The installation of the games area will be complete in April 2011, and when finished it will provide young people with a basketball court and space for ball games along with the chosen seating and shelters.

Ms Baldwin said that in addition to the games area, bpha, the district council’s sport and active lifestyles team and community safety team, and St Neots Locality Youth Team also offer young people the chance to take part in weekly street sports sessions at the existing football club, which are funded by the Huntingdonshire Community Safety Partnership.

“ We play football and other team sports, and give young people the chance to meet and socialise with other people in their area who are of a similar age.

“We want to build a strong community in this area and by asking young people their opinions about facilities we are providing for them, we can make sure that they get what they want and have a feeling of ownership.”

“Of course, these kinds of activities also give young people a chance to get involved with their local community, and stay fit and healthy.”