YOUNG people in Ipswich are today being urged to come up with ideas to improve 'things to do and places to go' for youngsters in the area.The call comes from Ipswich MP Chris Mole who has welcomed new funding for projects such as skate parks, basketball courts and music workshops.

By NEIL PUFFETT

political reporter

neil.puffett@eveningstar.co.uk

YOUNG people in Ipswich are today being urged to come up with ideas to improve 'things to do and places to go' for youngsters in the area.

The call comes from Ipswich MP Chris Mole who has welcomed new funding for projects such as skate parks, basketball courts and music workshops.

Over the next three years, central government is providing a total of £2.8 million for Suffolk County Council to invest in activities for young people.

Nearly £1,030,000 will be available for the youth opportunity fund and £899,500 for the youth capital fund - funds which have to be spent on projects for young people and dedicated by young people.

Mr Mole said: “The important thing is that young people themselves are in the driving seat - they can put forward ideas for what they want to see in their community and help to decide where the money is spent.

“Because young people in Ipswich need more things to do and places to go, I'm pleased that over the next few years we will see further investment in activities and facilities for young people in our area.

“Young people across Suffolk should think about what they would like to invest this money in, whether it's places to do sport, music or drama, revamping old facilities or getting new ones built.

“I want to hear what young people in our area would like to see - and I'm keen to do what I can to support those who come up with plans that can be made a reality.”

Mr Mole's call for ideas comes just weeks after two teenagers, desperate for something to do, pleaded for town officials to work towards creating a new facility for young people.

Lewis Robinson, 14, and Conner Pickering, 14, both from Ipswich, have set the wheels in motion for a new youth centre or internet café for young people on the Gainsborough estate.

After the boys were asked not to congregate in parts of the Gainsborough area, they decided it was time they did something to help themselves.

Conner Pickering, of Turner Road, said: “There's nothing for us to do so we thought that we might as well try and get something done about it.

“All the little ones have a park but we are too old to go there; I would just like somewhere to play and something to do.”

Mr Mole said: “All ideas that come forward from young people should be considered.”

Anyone wanting to put an idea forward can write to Mr Mole at: The Hon. Chris Mole MP, 33 Silent Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 1TF or e-mail raychaudhuris@parliament.uk.