Wandsworth youth centre receives new garden revamp

Young people seeking flats to rent in Wandsworth will be able to take advantage of a new garden space at the Training Resource Centre at Alma Road.

The Wandsworth Council facility has received a major overhaul by a team of 19 to 25-year-olds from The Prince's Trust Wandsworth, who were involved in an employment and development programme run by the charity in January.

Working hard despite the frigid weather, the 14 participants were able to clear away rubbish and weeds, restructure the paths and sand down an area of decking, while removing plants and trees that were no longer suited to the new-look garden.

The project was partly paid for by a £874 grant from the council's Youth Opportunity Fund, with the Prince's Trust Wandsworth contributing a further £686 raised by packing customers' bags at a local Waitrose.

Wandsworth mayor Jane Cooper was on hand to officially open the new garden, an event which took place on schedule despite the inclement conditions seen over the winter months.

Located close to Wandsworth Town Railway Station, the Training Resource Centre has been supporting young people for the past two decades and offers sessions on street dance, drama, digital photography, cookery, sports and much more.

Kathy Tracey, Wandsworth Council's cabinet member for education and children's services, said: "I am sure the efforts of these young people will be greatly appreciated by all the teenagers who use the centre.

"The staff there do a fantastic job working with young people and providing a space where they can develop under the supervision of enthusiastic adults who give them the foundations to flourish in later life."

Earlier this month, the council announced that support is growing for a new primary free school in Tooting, the opening of which would further expand the range of services available to local youths.

Posted by Chris Price

Published 28th February, 2012

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