STUDENTS from the Prince’s Trust have been working to transform a former family centre into a new facility for community use for Chester residents.
The team of 14 students worked for three weeks clearing the former family centre in Sycamore Drive, Lache.
The students painted all the rooms and refurbished the back gardens, removed graffiti and provided new benches. B&Q in Chester also supported their work by giving discounts on materials.
Prince’s Trust student Kieran Wallace, 17, of Saughall, said: “It was extremely rewarding to see the progress we made throughout the three weeks. Although it was hard work painting every day for long hours, it was well worth doing helping another community, as my community has done a lot for me.
“I am extremely proud of what I have helped to create. I would thoroughly recommend The Prince’s Trust as a way of getting valuable experience; it’s given me opportunities and experiences I wouldn’t have had otherwise.”
Prince’s Trust student Dylan Taylor, 16, of Malpas, said: “It has pushed me out of my comfort zone to complete tasks I would not otherwise have done. Meeting the other people on the programme has been great and I will stay in touch with them.”
Funds raised by packing customer’s bags in Morrison’s supermarket, Bache, were used to fund both the project in Lache and the group’s final team challenge where they will take people living with disabilities for fun days out.
The Prince’s Trust Team Programme, which aims to inspire and to create opportunities for young people aged 16 to 25, is delivered in partnership with Cheshire Fire Service.
The Housing Trust has recently installed a new kitchen for the community to use at the Sycamore Drive centre.
All members of the public are invited to the launch of the new Community House at the corner of 109 Sycamore Drive and 125 Cliveden Road, Lache, on Thursday at 11am.