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Simple carvings created by the young people.

Since Easter 2007, Pensbury Street Residents Group have been working closely with Lisa Kwok and Meirion Noble from Groundwork to redevelop the park area in between the houses on the street. As part of the redevelopment of the park, they wanted young people to take ownership of the project and have a sense of pride in their area.

Therefore, early last year, Groundwork approached local artist Lee Brewster to set up workshops in which young people created simple carvings to generate ideas for a possible entrance feature for the park; leading four young people to take an interest in the project. Lisa Kwok from Groundwork said "We then decided to meet on a regular basis to get the young people more involved and develop their ideas further" and as a result, the group formed in September 2007 and now meet every Thursday from 4.30pm - 6pm.

For the young people, the project gives them a chance to make new friends, experience something different and as Leighanne Jones stated: "It's about having fun and taking responsibility for our park." Furthermore, the original four members - Shantelle Banyard, Leighanne Jones and Emma and Shaun Wilkinson - all learned the skills necessary for the successful completion of a DOSH application; written to pay for the design team, Lee's valued time and talents, and various workshops including wood-carving which was a true highlight for the young people: "it's an activity that stops us being stuck in the house."

The local artist Lee Brewster was approached by Groundwork early last year due to his involvement in the community and various other projects around Darlington (details of which can be found on the link provided), and so the idea was for the workshops to spark ideas from young people which he could then use to form the basis of his design for the entrance feature. When asked why Lee had taken an interest in this project, he replied: "If young people have a chance to influence an environment that is close to them and that they use on a daily basis, then that's fantastic. I'm just here to facilitate their ideas."

Over the next few months, other improvements will be made to Pensbury Street park including a play area, seating, a kickwall area and improved access for all - with the entrance feature designed by this group being the final piece of the jigsaw.

The young people have dedicated a lot of their time and effort to this project with full support from both Groundwork and Pensbury Street Residents Group, and I strongly urge you to look out for the date of the official launch of the park - there is no doubt that the change will be breath-taking. Also, if you would like more details of the project itself, a link has been included to the internet page created by the young people which encourages you to give your ideas as well.

Jessica Jayne Grundy.

10:22am Wednesday 12th March 2008

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