Youngster give something back to community
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Port Talbot youngsters have played a big part in producing a colourful tribute to their community.
Youngsters from Sandfields Comprehensive School have helped to design an underpass mural at the estate’s Afan Way underpass, while young offenders undertook its painting.
The initiative also involves local artist Paul Rees and Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council, and has been led by the authority’s Youth Offending Team (YOT), as part of a youth inclusion scheme.
South Wales electricity company Western Power Distribution (WPD) also had a key part to play – providing all the materials for the initiative.
Peter Miller, YOT Reparation Officer, explained: “We believe getting young offenders to take part in this kind of project helps them achieve a sense of pride in their community.
“It also helps them to understand the effect crime and anti social behaviour can have on their community and hopefully prevents them from re-offending in the future.”
Phil Davies, WPD’s Network Services Manager for Wales said: “The youngsters have worked very hard and created a colourful mural which looks really great.
“We are pleased to be working in partnership with Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council whose success with its youth inclusion programme in Sandfields has already received top marks from the Youth Justice Board.”
March 2011