New shelter to benefit teenagers in Bratton

A new shelter will soon be installed on Bratton’s village green to give teenagers a place to socialise.

The idea was prompted by a village survey which highlighted the need for a safe space where young people could meet.

In response, Bratton Parish Council put forward plans for a dedicated covered seating area, designed with teens in mind.

Parish councillor Cathy Elliot, who chairs the village green committee, said, “The shelter is the latest project in the Parish Council’s plans for the village green.

“We now have a small volunteer committee and helpers who do weekly safety checks on things like play apparatus, gates and fences.

“In the past two years, we have installed an activity trail and two bouncers [trampoline-style areas], as well as rejuvenating the older equipment.

“All this caters for young children, but a space for teens was lacking. A shelter for young people to meet was requested by members of the community in a village survey some years ago.

“The chosen design seats several people and has a transparent cover so that activities are not hidden. It will, of course, also be welcomed by parents in bad weather.”

‘Lou’s bench’ – a tribute to the much-loved manager of The Duke pub who died of cancer – will be repositioned slightly closer to the picnic tables to make space for the new seating area.

The structure will be secured to a concrete base and funded by developer contributions from new housing in the village. Cllr Elliot has also applied for two additional grants to help cover delivery, groundwork and installation costs.

“Feedback has been positive and we continue to welcome any views,” she added.