Young people help shape the future of Clitheroe Castle grounds

Feedback from almost 100 young people helped shape a new multi-use games area (MUGA) in Clitheroe that is proving a popular attraction.

The MUGA in the grounds of the town’s 800-year-old castle keep has been upgraded to offer improved facilities for use by people of all ages and abilities. The works come part of a £2.3 million investment programme by Ribble Valley Borough Council to upgrade the keep and park for generations to come.

Other improvements that have been made, or are underway, in the park, include an £100,000 outdoor gym, featuring 13 pieces of equipment including fitness bikes and seated presses, many of them fully accessible, has been installed on former tennis courts next to the MUGA and there are plans to improve the skatepark. Meanwhile improvements to the park’s bandstand are expected to be completed next month.

Before work was carried out, Ribble Valley Borough Council talked to local young people to gather their views on what it should look like and offer, as part of a wider community consultation.

Council officers worked with members of the local Targeted Youth Service Youth Council to gather their feedback.

The majority of young people and adults who took part were regular users of the MUGA or the neighbouring skatepark.

They made a wide range of suggestions, some of which were included in the final design such as better surfacing and clearer line marking for different sports.

Councillor Stuart Hirst, chairman of the council’s community services committee, said: “We were very grateful to all the young people involved who took time to give us some brilliant suggestions on how the MUGA could be improved.

“They really took an interest in getting involved with the process and helping to shape what is an excellent free facility for people of all ages and skills to use.

“Some of their ideas weren’t practical for a number of reasons, the Ninja warrior course comes to mind, but all their suggestions were genuine and well thought out and we thank them for their support.”

Professional range youth worker Tracy Spearing said: “It was a good experience for the Youth Council to be invited in on this project. They were able to engage with other young people and put their voices forward for this amazing facility.

“It also gave them a real feel on how local councils work, as well as learning how to communicate with professionals. They have thoroughly enjoyed seeing the project from beginning, through design and the final outcome, and to see so many young people and families enjoying the new MUGA.”