A youth club set-up to combat antisocial behaviour in Bedwas has held an open evening to show the community some of its work.
BTM Youth Club was established in early 2009 in response to complaints at a local PACT meeting.
During the police meeting, residents complained about antisocial behaviour by large groups of youngsters in the area. In turn, youngsters at the meeting complained about a lack of facilities for them.
Out of this meeting, in partnership with the local police, BTM community council and community volunteers, BTM Youth Club was started.
Since then, the club has been a huge success with more than 85 youngsters regularly attending the club every Friday night at Bedwas Workmen’s Hall, on Newport Road, Bedwas.
Nicola Johns, who helps run the club, said: “We are staffed by a team of committed and enthusiastic volunteers and have received financial help and support through BTM Community Council and GAVO.
“We also work closely with the local community policing team who feedback that there is a huge difference in antisocial behaviour in the area when the club is running.
“The aim of the event was to raise the profile of the club and encourage new members and volunteers, gain feedback and suggestions.
“We are extremely pleased with the evening during which we signed up 15 members for a Duke of Edinburgh scheme and eight possible members for our youth committee. We also helped BTM Football Club gain another possible 12 members all of which again impacts on antisocial behaviour, as well as we hope helping the youngsters feel part of a community.”
For more information about the club, visit its website at www.spanglefish.com/btmyouthclub