A NEW era began for Frodsham's teenagers with the opening of a new youth facility aimed at keeping gangs off the streets.
The Red Room, based at Frodsham's Community Centre on Fluin Lane, will be able to accommodate more than 50 teenagers.
Helen Davies, Hub worker with Cheshire County Council, said: 'The opening went brilliantly. Everyone involved really enjoyed it and we had a great chance to promote The Red Room as something fresh and new.
'More than 30 kids turned up, which is a great improvement on what we had expected before.'
The Red Room has been set up more as a modern hangout than a traditional style youth club centred around pool and table tennis. Council officials are looking to young people to guide them. It was decided a new programme was needed.
Helen Davies said: 'We want to emphasise this is a totally new idea. This is a club for the youngsters, by the youngsters. They decide what they want to get out of the club. We ask them directly what they want and then we see what we can do to accommodate them.'
'We are also trying to raise the profile of teenagers in the community by giving them positive things to do with their time, but in a fresh way.'
The new club's refurbishment has been funded with money from both Cheshire Council management committee and youth services.
The club is to offer workshops in subjects such as 'street dancing', a graffiti art showing the positive uses of alternative art and even DJ tuition.
Regular meeting times for the Fluin Lane club will be every Monday and Tuesday from 6.45-9pm.
