THE youth shelter in Cowling Park is undergoing a makeover.

The project started back in the summer holidays after staff from North Yorkshire County Council's children and families’ service prevention team met with young people to see what was important to them.

The young people, aged between 11 and 17, identified the facilities in the park as high priority and came up with lots of ideas, including cleaning up the youth shelter.

The prevention worker approached Cowling Parish Council and it agreed to repair the shelter and make available some funding towards the cost of cleaning and painting, Craven Prevention Service also matched this funding.

It is hoped that the project will encourage the young people to take ownership of the youth shelter and look after the facility and surroundings, reducing damage and litter. It also raises young people’s voices locally and involves young people in their community.

The young people worked with a local artist Jayne Riddiough from NYCC’s Connecting Youth Culture and came up with a design.

Last week, the shelter was jet washed and work started on painting of the mural and designs. However, the wet weather hampered progress and another day of painting will take place on Saturday from 1pm to 5pm.

All Cowling youngsters, aged from 11 to 19, are encouraged to get involved , along with parents and members of the local community.

For further information, contact community intervention worker Rachel Rabjohns on 07813 573664.