A NEIGHBOURHOOD has been treated to makeover thanks to volunteers with the Prince’s Trust.
A group of 12 teenagers spent three days brightening up the public spaces around the Sports Barn in the Talbot area of Blackpool.
The group braved bad weather to pick up litter, paint and plant new green spaces on the parkland off Caunce Street.
The work is part of a 12-week voluntary programme being undertaken by the 16 to 25-year-olds, through the Prince’s Trust, aimed at increasing employment prospects and building self-esteem.
The group chose to give their time to clean up an area where graffiti and litter had been allowed to ruin a space for children and families.
Harrison Smith, 20, told The Gazette: “I feel like I’m giving something back, it’s a great feeling.”
Harrison, from South Shore, spent his time during the project gardening and planting to make the area more attractive for people living nearby to enjoy.
He added: “You want to encourage people around here to respect it and take care of it a bit more.”
And the work has not just turned a once blighted area, it has changed the fortunes of volunteers, with one teen already securing full-time work since taking up the course.
Sam Gregory, from Layton, has landed himself a job in a pub since starting the course with Princes Trust.
And the 19-year-old said: “My mum lives in this area so it’s good for the community, it’s our community as well.”
He added: “This place needed the most work, it looked a mess so now we’ve tidied it and it will look good again.”
The group is now preparing to undertake work placements and have already been on team-building weekends.
The personal development course is run by Lancashire Fire and Rescue for the trust.
Team leader Vicky Weller added: “The area is looking really good now, people are pleased with what we’ve done here.
“The lads are taking pride in the area.”
If you can offer a work placement to a young person on the course, contact Vicky on (01253) 401283
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