GOAL posts are set to be installed at Penleigh park which the local youth club say will be a “huge benefit” for the local community.
The goal posts will allow seven-a-side games to be played on the field. Westbury Youth Club leader, Beth Mullins, says that the youth club has needed an outdoor space for members to enjoy in summer months for many years.
Councillors agreed to spend up to £1,000 for the installation of the goal posts and an additional £250 for line marking and twice-yearly mow, at a meeting of the highways, planning, and development committee of the town council on Monday 20th February.
Beth said, “I have been running Westbury Youth Club for the last five years and involved with the club for nearly six years. In this time, we have operated out of the Leigh Park Community Centre, and we are currently based at the Westbury Community Project (WCP) and have been for the last two and half years.
“During my time with the club, it has become apparent that the young people want an outdoor space to use during the summer months. At both venues, all the members used the small outdoor space they offer. WCP is situated directly behind Penleigh park which offers a play area and field. Our members are too old to use the play area and the field is lacking facilities as it is currently just an empty field.
“The members love coming to youth club to play low level sports and burn off energy with their friends. Having two goal posts in Penleigh park will allow us to take our members on the short walk and for them to organise their own football matches and games under our supervision.
“We work with the Westbury detached youth work team (4 Youth) and know the majority of young people who hang out in Penleigh park – if there are goal nets, these young people, as well as the youth club members, would get involved in any activity or game we are running.
“In turn, the young people will gain respect for the area and although we cannot guarantee no littering, vandalism, or anti-social behaviour, the risk would be reduced as the young people and their peers will respect the area they use. Two goal posts in Penleigh park will be a huge benefit to the community, the young people and our members.”
Westbury town councillors were very supportive of the proposal at the meeting last week. Cllr Pauline Stallard said, “This is a great idea and a really good use of the space if it encourages more kids to play a bit of sport or exercise. It will give them the option to do something constructive and positive that is outdoors and promotes working together as a team.”
The Penleigh and Oldfield Community Action Network (POPCAN) used to hold summer events at Penleigh park, including skateboard and dodgeball events, as well as a summer holiday club, but POPCAN disbanded in November of last year due to a lack of volunteers. Two more skateboard events are expected to take place during the school holidays this year.
