A KEY facility for Penketh youngsters is getting a revamp.

Penketh Youth Centre is undergoing a £52,000 overhaul in a bid to build up its image and attract more young people.

It aims to turn the area outside the centre from an eyesore to an activity garden, including a basketball post and hopscotch markings.

A safe surface will be laid down and there will be an area provided for seating. Part of the new design also includes making the centre accessible to people with disabilities to encourage more user groups to use the building.

Helen Newman, part time youth worker at the centre, said: "The young people planned exactly what they wanted, and we asked people living next to the centre what they thought. We've got a group taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh scheme so they will be able to use the project as part of their service section work."

Artist Steve Des Landes has been working with the youngsters at night and at weekends to create a mural that will be erected at the centre when the project is completed by March next year.

Groundwork Mersey Valley is working with the youngsters on the project, as well as Barclays Site Savers, which has provided funding. Funding is being provided through the landfill tax credit scheme, from environmental body Wren.

Penketh Youth Centre had its budget cut following the community centre debacle earlier this year, which saw four buildings in the town knocked down.

Penketh Youth Club is looking for new members aged 13-19, and also adults interested in joining the management committee or volunteering to help run the club.

Contact youth worker Pam Addison on 722805 for more details.