CONSIDERABLE debate has taken place on local news outlets and on social media about plans for a new Youth Zone to be built in Tilbury.

While there has been a significant recognition that the facility is much-needed, its location is a real sticking point for many. Now two borough youngsters have got together to offer an opinion reflecting local youth.

Students Jasmine Ofosuhene and Jack Lowry from the Gateway Academy in Tilbury, where the potential siting of the Youth Zone run by the Onside charity on the Anchorfield has not been welcomed, say there are more pros than cons from the plan and they are calling on local people to 'get Onside'.

The duo write: "We welcome the opportunity to voice our opinions on the topic of OnSide.

"We noticed the lack of positivity towards the construction of the youth centre within the community. We wish these individuals could have seen the amazing work that the youth centre in Dagenham, which we also had the opportunity to visit, was doing.

"As young adults at The Gateway Academy, we believe that we would benefit from giving the OnSide charity the opportunity to prove themselves. We, as young adults, can't be punished for past actions by certain individuals. "When we researched anti-social behaviour within Tilbury, the lists are endless; why would this be?

"It is because young adults have nowhere to go after school.

"According to Dagenham OnSide youth centre, there are various positives "from reductions in anti-social behaviour of up to 77%, improved self-confidence in 77% young people, 78% young people said staff/volunteers at Youth Zones help them prepare for the future and 91% of local businesses feeling a Youth Zone has improved the local environment."

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"The statistics speak for themselves!

"As social activists for the #WeWill project, we feel that the community should change their mindset towards the building on the youth centre.

"Why is location important?

"Why would you not want free opportunities for your child? Mindsets need to shift; this is our right as young adults and we won't be silenced.

"You only need to look at the research to know that there still is hope for our us – if only communities were more supportive.

"Give us a fresh start; give us a youth centre; be OnSide with us.

For further information click on these links:

https://www.onsideyouthzones.org//content/uploads/2018/08/OnSide-SME-REPORT.pdf

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https://www.onsideyouthzones.org/case-study-categories/our-youth-zones/