Young people living on Shrublands council estate in Shirley celebrated the official opening of their multi-ball games court with five-a-side match last Thursday, October 11.

The court in Laurel Crescent was built as a joint initiative between Croydon Council's housing and cultural services departments, its youth service and local residents, to address the lack of recreational facilities for young people on the estate.

The football game was between some of the young people and staff from the council's housing department.

The initiative is part of an ongoing drive led by local householders and community groups, and supported by the council, to revitalise Shrublands helping to address key social and health-related issues identified during extensive consultation. The estate's Community Action Plan covers housing management, repairs and maintenance issues, and looks at ways to enhance the local environment, youth provision and services for vulnerable people such as the elderly.

Councillor Tony Newman, cabinet member for housing, said: "This new multi-games court has a very important role to play in continuing to develop a real sense of community in Shrublands and improving the quality of life for those living there. "Judging by the hard work put in by local residents on the project since its conception this new facility will no doubt prove very popular."

October 23, 2001 17:00