A NEW multi-million pound youth zone could take one step closer to becoming a reality if plans are approved by the town's executive board on Tuesday.

The proposed opening of Onside Warrington Youth Zone is back on track after the original building was demolished following a blaze which engulfed the former Mr Smith's nightclub and ABC Cinema two years ago.

Executive board member for children’s services Cllr Jean Carter is in full support of the plans which aim to help thousands of young people across the town.

She said: "I have been pushing for this for three years.

"I have been to the Wigan Youth Zone and when you walk in there is just this wonderful buzz around it – it's fantastic.

"There are so many children in there and so much for them to do.

"There are so many benefits not just for the young people but for the community too. 

"Other youth zones saw the ASBO and vandalism rates go down.

"It's the same across the country."

Following the opening of Wigan Youth Zone there was a significant reduction in anti-social behaviour by 77 per cent.

The new youth zone, which has been earmarked to be built on the Stadium Quarter next to the University Technical College Warrington, aims to offer affordable activities in sports, arts, music and employability.

There will also be mentoring available for young people aged from eight to 19 or up to 25 for those with a disability.

The funding for the youth zone was initially agreed in March 2015 and a £3 million contribution was included within the council’s capital programme.

Stephen Reddy, executive director for families and wellbeing, said: “We’re happy to have secured a suitable space for this project which we hope will bring real benefits to the young people of Warrington.

“Research has shown that creating a youth zone is beneficial, not only to the young people themselves, but also the wider community.

"The youth zone will give young people a supportive and exciting place to help them live happier, healthier and more aspirational lives.”

Andy Gatcliffe, chairman of Warrington Youth Club, added: “This is an exciting step forward in the development of the Club’s future provision for young people.

"As part of the OnSide network we can provide a purpose-built facility just for young people and enhance our offer by operating seven days a week, enabling us to reach many more young people in need.”