Cool Summer Streetz prove hit

Youngsters flock to Tadley workshops over summer holidays

A HOLIDAY activity programme for youngsters has proved a hit in Tadley, with street-style workshops, including graffiti art, and DJ-ing, proving popular.

Funded by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, the Summer Streetz programme kicked off in July and has run in nine areas across the borough, including Tadley.

Around 122 youngsters aged 11 to 17 took part in activities in Tadley, from a DJ workshop at the Hurst Community College, to a disco at Tadley Community Centre, multi sports in Southdown Road play area and electric guitar workshops at the Hurst youth club.

A graffiti art workshop, at Tadley skatepark, Tadley Common Road, proved equally popular, attracting about 60 youngsters, who participated over three evenings.

Youth worker for Hampshire County Council, Nick Hicks, who was at the graffiti art workshop, said the youngsters were involved in the planning and design of the artwork, painted by D J Workshops Ltd, of Guildford:

“It offered a safe environment for the youngsters to hang-out in, without being moved on,” said Mr Hicks, who pointed out Tadley Town Council, had given permission for the graffiti to be painted on the skate ramp at the park, as it was considered art work, rather than vandalism:

“We don't want to encourage graffiti around Tadley, although it's not a problem,” said Mr Hicks.

Beside the graffiti letters ‘Tadley skatepark' can be found the names Jake and Lee, in memory of the two Tadley

teenagers, Jake Burden, aged 18, and Lee Robinson, aged 16, who died in a car accident in Sherbourne St John in August 2007.

Mothers and youngsters in Tadley then set about successfully raising a staggering £120,000 to re-furbish the skatepark, which re-opened in May last year, following

the work.