The Port Talbot Neighbourhood Policing Team have played their part in turning the dream of a new youth centre in Baglan into a reality.
Hollywood star Michael Sheen returned to his home town to officially open the new Chill Out Zone on the ground floor of Baglan Library.
Local officers were involved in the bid for the new facility since its inception some six years ago and it has now become a reality thanks to a £237,000 grant from the Big Lottery Fund’s People and Places programme.
The new centre boasts a flat screen TV donated by the Port Talbot Neighbourhood Policing Team, Playstation, Wii and a pool table, a food outlet and computers with internet access.
A one stop shop for local young people, the project also provides a central, community based facility where young people can access information and advice and support on youth issues as well as learning and training opportunities. The centre has only been open since November last year and already has over 120 young people registered as members.
Sheen, who attended Blaenbaglan Primary School and played football for Baglan Boys Club, turned up with his father and was joined by hoards of adoring young people from the area as he officially unveiled the plaque and declared the centre open.
Juliet Hopkins, Chair of Baglan Youth Forum, said: “It’s been a lot of hard work to get to where we are and it’s nice to have a local boy who has done so well to officially open us.
“It’s been six years in the making. We had problems with anti social behaviour in the community so we decided to get all the young people together and asked them what they wanted.”
