Upton has a new “Multi Use Games Area”
and outdoor gym equipment, thanks to the Big Lottery Fund and a lot
of local determination.
The new “Multi Use Games Area”, or MUGA, will
enable young people in Upton to play football and basketball all
year round, or keep fit, with a range of outdoor gym equipment on
Upton Recreation Ground.
Tony Cottee, ex-England and West Ham player,
opened the facilities on the recreation ground and praised the work
of everyone. He said: “I wish facilities like these
were available when I was growing up. They are a tribute to
everyone’s hard work and I hope they will encourage youngsters to
become more active”.
The project is the result of a lot of hard
work by the local community and in particular, the Town Plan
Group. Youth United, from the Town Plan Group, represented
the views and issues of the young people in the area and worked
tirelessly to raise the profile of the needs of the young people of
Upton and Lytchett Minster.
Jen Brown, Chairwoman of Youth United,
said: “It is such an achievement to see the MUGA gym
equipment in place. After a lot of hard work and effort, we
found the funding, organisations and people to help us create our
dream. It just shows that hard work and determination can
really pay off!”
Cllr Mikka Pryor, Chairman of Amenities, Upton
and Lytchett Minster Town Council commented, “By working with youth
groups from the start of the project we have been able to install
equipment that is well-used and appreciated. The Town Council
is delighted that the provision for young people within the town
has increased”
Alex Clothier Purbeck District Council said,
“Thanks to the Big Lottery Fund we have been able to deliver a
project that the young people of Upton wanted.”
Purbeck District Council and Upton Town
Council worked in partnership to obtain this new equipment to
improve facilities for the young people in Upton.
Ends
Contact: Alex Clothier, Project Development Officer,
Purbeck District Council, 01929 557349
Links:
Purbeck Community Partnership
Upton and Lytchett Minster Town Council