Evening Advertiser 04/12/04

Swindon youngsters will get to try out two new events during December as part of a pilot.

Today they are invited to the Haydon Centre to watch TV, listen to music or play sport and next week a new disco will be held at the Oasis.

If they prove popular the two nights will become regular events and could even be extended to other venues.

Coun Justin Tomlinson, Swindon Council's lead member for Swindon Services, said they decided to trial the new events after the success of the ice disco at the Link Centre and the skate park.

"We thought we have got it right twice (Ice Skating disco at The Link and the Skateboard Park at The Oasis) so let's try some more ideas and see if we can get it right again," he said. "I am really excited about this."

Tonight, 11-15-year-olds are invited to the Haydon Centre in Haydon Wick. Admission is free with a Swindon Card, which youngsters can sign up for on the night, and the centre will be open from 7pm until 10pm.

They will be able to watch TV, listen to music and play free pool as well as having free use of the sports hall for activities of their choice.

Coun Tomlinson said: "It is informal ­ the kids can just come along.

"At the moment kids hang around outside the centre but this will give them somewhere safe indoors. The idea is that if this is successful we would like to do this in all of the community leisure centres."

The trial will be repeated on December 18.

Next Saturday, under-16s can go along to a disco at the Oasis from 7pm. Admission is 50p/£1 with a Swindon Card and £2 without.

Coun Tomlinson, who used to manage the Eros nightclub, hopes that if the Saturday disco became a permanent event it would compliment the Link Centre's ice disco on Fridays.

"In theory on Friday and Saturday there would be a destination for kids," he said. "There is a big gap for that age group on a Saturday at the moment."

The council also plans to run a bus service from Highworth to the Oasis disco.

Coun Tomlinson said there was money available in the youth services budget for new schemes but that the Oasis event should pay for itself.

He also wants to hear back from youngsters about whether the council is on the right track.

"They said through the `Adver that they wanted a skate park and they got one; we couldn't ignore it.

"At 28 maybe I am out of touch. I want to know if these are the right sorts of things to do."

Let him know what you think on 01793 872 883 or by email on justin@northswindonintouch.com