'Pod' youth plan for Stonehouse (From Stroud News and Journal)

'Pod' youth plan for Stonehouse

A SHINY metal 'pod' could soon be landing in a Stonehouse car park to provide town youngsters with a novel new meeting place.

Civic leaders are planning to place the portable unit in the High Street car park and open it to young people two evenings a week.

Manned by youth workers, the pod will contain heating, lighting and a seating area so youngsters can socialise away from the streets.

A county youth service spokesman said: "Young People's drop in centres or 'pods' like the one proposed for Stonehouse already operate in other parts of the county and are proving very successful local contact points for young people.

"The 'pod' provides a safe supervised alternative to the streets as a place for young people to meet.

"As well as providing constructive activities the pod also allows our staff to have additional contact and engagement with local youngsters."

Mattie Ross, chair of Stonehouse Town Council and a district councillor, said the pod was a very positive idea.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for our young people to receive additional youth service engagement and provide them with positive activities which will complement existing services already operating in Stonehouse," she said.

The project, aimed at 13-25 year-olds in the town, is being funded by the Stroud Area Crime and Disorder Partnership, which includes the Stonehouse partnership, Stonehouse Town Council and government cash.

Cllr David Wride, cabinet member for community cohesion at Stroud District Council, added: "This initiative demonstrates that through effective partnership working we can deliver new and innovative services directly to our communities."

Planning officers at Ebley Mill are set to decide on whether or not to grant the pod planning permission soon.