Last updated 09:00, Saturday, 29 November 2008

There’s nothing to do. This claim has been made by generations of young people, and may well continue to be heard. But in Carlisle it will sound a little more hollow than before once a £5million youth centre is opened.

Carlisle’s Youth Zone, on the former St Aidan’s School site in the city centre, could open within two years as part of the Richard Rose Central Academy.

Young people from across the city will have somewhere to spend their leisure time constructively, creatively and safely.

Artistic, physical, cultural and recreational activities are all promised, along with a committed team of people to help our youngsters make the most of these opportunities.

This promises to be a sound investment with benefits not just for young people but for the community as a whole. It also comes as a timely boost when we hear of other projects being cancelled or delayed as a result of the economic climate.

The team responsible for bringing this centre to the city deserve huge congratulations for their hard work.

But their most substantial rewards are likely to be reaped in the years ahead through the generations who have their lives improved.

Perhaps we can even look forward to a better relationship between our young people and some of the individuals and communities who currently view them as little more than pests.