Youngsters spruce-up run-down Swinton shopping precinct

The precinct hit the headlines in 2014 when businesses voiced concerns about vandalism and drug-taking in empty council buildings.

Just last month, firefighters had to respond to an arson attack on the Civic Building.

But the group of 16- to 25-year-olds spent last week revamping the precinct as part of a fire service Prince’s Trust project.

The group — made up of people from the Swinton area and Wath areas and based at Dearne Fire Station — is aiming to get a Community Project Award for its efforts.

Ben Williams, a member of the group, said they had decided to work on the precinct area because it had gone into decline and was in need of a spruce-up.

He said: “It’s somewhere that not many people care about.”

Jayden Hall (22), another member of the group, said: “We wanted to bring the community back together and get the precinct back to how it used to be.

“There’s no flowers and there are groups of youths that gather there so we want to restore a bit of pride.

“We’ve spoken to come of the businesses and they’ve told us they can be disruptive and disrespectful.

“We’re also trying to set up a youth club so that the youngsters have somewhere to go and something to do.”

The project was part of the fire service’s Team Programme project — a 12-week course for unemployed 16 to 25 year olds, offering work experience, qualifications, practical training and a residential development week.

The group also cleared graffiti, removed litter and planted trees and flowers in the precinct.

Wentworth and Dearne MP John Healey visited the site on Friday.

He said: “Young people are the future of this area and it is fantastic that both fire and police are working together to transform not only the lives of those on this programme, but also the places where they live.”

John Daley, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue team leader, said: “Team Programme is about more than simply boosting young people’s employment skills. It gives them hope, confidence and the opportunity to make a difference. 

“The community project the young people were involved in is the perfect proof of that aspiration and we hope the sense of achievement it gives them will give them the self-belief which they can transfer to their future lives.”

For more information on the project visit www.syfire.gov.uk.