COUNCILLORS are launching a bid to convince the Government to fund a world-class youth arts and media facility in east Cleveland.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council’s cabinet has endorsed the submission of an outline application for a share of the Government’s £190m myplace funding, which is a national ten-year strategy for positive activities for young people.

A young people’s steering group, set up by the council in June, came up with its own criteria for the facility, which would be a beach-side location, available for outdoor and indoor arts activities.

Councillor Ian Jeffrey, the council’s cabinet member for children’s services and education, said: “If we’re successful, this project will enable the council to make a significant impact on provision for young people.

“We will provide a worldclass dedicated youth arts and media facility, open at times when young people want it, including evenings, weekends and school holidays.

“It is an exciting collaboration which has actively engaged partners and captured the imagination of young people.

And we believe it could be a complementary feature of the Coatham development.”

The project will have stateof- the-art facilities and equipment for arts and media, which will be used to deliver high quality, innovative programmes by skilled professionals, accredited through the Arts Council’s arts award scheme.

The project will also provide access to an integrated advice service for young people, covering information and guidance on personal development and health issues.