A YOUTH Forum has been launched in Mablethorpe as part of East Lindsey District Council’s Neighbourhood Management Project. The Forum had its first meeting at the end of January, giving young people in the town a chance to let the local community know how they would like to see the town improve.

Jamie Ward and Shaun Lee, both from Mablethorpe, were nominated by the Forum to be the young people’s representative on the Neighbourhood Management Board, which is made up of local residents.

From this meeting four steering groups of young people put together projects to shape the future of Mablethorpe, Trusthorpe and Sutton on Sea. The young people put their proposals to a panel of judges. The Groups had the opportunity to gain £1,000 from the County Council and District Council to take their projects forward.

Graffiti Project

The young people will revamp the seating area along the sea front by using professional graffiti art to create a vibrant and pleasing environment for people to enjoy and feel proud of, which will benefit old and young people, holiday makers and make it somewhere pleasant for people to sit and enjoy the landscape. All young people can be involved in this project and anyone aged 11 to 25 years can take part in gaining a national qualification using the arts award. Rob Manning who is the owner of the funfair has agreed to put new lighting in the seating area making it a better place for all. The young people can also gain an Arts Award accreditation. If anyone is interested please contact Helen Duffy (Youth Arts Co-ordinator for East Lindsey) on 07825521720 or email helen.duffy@lincolnshire.gov.uk

Gigs Project

The young people will hold Gig Nights for young people. The first one will be taking place at Tennyson High School on Saturday, April 12, for 11-19 years with parents and siblings welcome. If any young people want t get involved in the planning then please contact Garry Humphreys or Karen Cartwright on 01507 472613 or email karen.cartwright@lincolnshire.gov.uk

The projects supported by the judges were the graffiti and gigs project, which were awarded £500 each. Youth Development Worker, Paddy Prince, who was one of the judges, said: "The Panel felt that the other projects were very much needed and well presented by the young people that we should help to enable them to carry out these projects".

The two projects to be supported area:

The activities that will take place will strengthen young people’s relationships living on the coast. If anyone would like to get involved please contact Karen Cartwright on 472613 or email karen.cartwright@e-lindsey.gov.uk

The next youth forum is on Saturday, March 29, 11am to 1pm, in the Community Room, Mablethorpe CAP and Library, Stanley Avenue, Mablethorpe. If anyone wants any further information please contact Debbie Prince on 01507 329567, mobile: 07825 097644 or email debbie.prince@e-lindsey.gov.uk. It would be nice to have more young people’s input, so please feel welcome to drop in and join us.