2:20pm Friday 12th March 2010
Young people in Chorley can now get out and about more easily – in their brand new bus.
Those living in rural areas or where there are no nearby youth centres will be able to climb aboard the customised Volkswagen van and tap into the county council's Young People's Service (YPS).
The bus is intended to add to the work that is already done with young people in centres and on the streets, giving them access to advice and information, and working with vulnerable groups.
Inside the bus there is flexible seating and a folding table, a microwave and coolbox, brewing-up facilities, in-floor lighting and special carpeted walls that mean a variety of display materials can easily be put up and taken down as the bus is used for different functions.
There is also an awning for shade on summer days.
County Councillor Mark Perks, cabinet member for young people, said: “The new mobile unit is going to make a real difference to how we can serve young people by taking the YPS to where they live or gather.
“It's a great vehicle, a bit like the Tardis, bigger inside than it looks on the outside and packed with all sorts of useful kit like a TV and DVD player, IT facilities, storage and the space for our workers to sit and talk with young people.”
Nighat Parveen, operations manager for the YPS, said: "The mobile unit means we can take our services to pretty much any place where we can safely park it.
"Young people can't always get to centres and not all of them have the confidence to come along and join organised groups.
"The van gives us the perfect way to reach young people more informally.
“A brew and a chat in the van on a cold night is just as good as going to a youth club and could lead on to other activities as well.”
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