BUSINESS is booming at a youth centre which was opened following a Tynedale girl’s “personal crusade”.
Ayesha Banks, 23, worked far beyond the call of duty to transform the famous Water Tower building at Haltwhistle railway station in Northumberland into a new, up-to-date base for local youngsters.
In its first three weeks, the new “chill-out zone” has attracted almost 100 local youngsters to where they can hone their work skills and build a firm foundation for their futures.
It replaces the former Main Street youth club, which had restricted space.
Part-time youth worker Ayesha worked full-time hours to raise £24,000 in funding to get the Water Tower yards from her home refurbished, revitalised and reopened.
Ayesha said: “It’s going really, really well. It’s been busy, it’s been fun, and it’s been brilliant.
“We’ve been open Friday and Saturday nights and about 15 people each night have come in to use our facilities.
“There are people who didn’t come to the Main Street youth club so by opening the Water Tower we’ve generated new members.” With the backing of the Haltwhistle Partnership and West Northumberland Youth Service, for whom she works, Ayesha equipped the Water Tower with computers, TVs and other modern devices to help youngsters develop their skills for future careers - as well as keep them off the streets.
