PLANS are under way to launch a new children’s and youth centre at Droitwich’s St Nicholas’ Church in a bid to provide a place for the town’s young people to go and keep them out of trouble.
Rev Nigel Byard spoke to The Standard after vandalism at St Peter’s Church last week where plaques were taken from graves, guttering on the lychgate was broken and the perspex doors on the noticeboard were smashed.
Rev Byard, the team rector of the Saltway Team, said: “When I ask people what they would like to see in the town, the thing they always bring up the most is that there isn’t enough for young people to do.”
He added he hoped to build on the good work which had been done through the messy church and toddler group by providing a place for older children to go.
And he said because of the layout of St Nicholas’ – which was open plan with no pews – the building would be ideal to provide a place for the Spa’s young people to go.
Rev Byard said he had earmarked much-needed activities for young people as a priority and he envisaged the new youth hub opening at St Nicholas’ within the next year.
Rev Byard’s views were echoed by Sue Judd, the churchwarden at St Peter’s Church.
Mrs Judd said: “I think part of the problem and the reason we see vandalism like this is because there is not a lot to do for young people in the town.
“Putting activities on or providing a place for them to go is a vision of ours.
“The vandalism was frustrating, particularly the lychgate which is used a lot during weddings. It takes time and effort to put these things right again.
Rev Byard has urged anyone who has any ideas about the kind of activities they would like to see put on, anyone interested in volunteering at a children and youth hub and any companies or organisations which could offer help or funding to get in touch.
“We have so many good organisations in Droitwich doing so much good work and we would want them to be involved in our plans.”
Anyone with any ideas, wanting to volunteer or offer funding should call Rev Byard on 01905 778265.
