ELY youngsters have a place to call their own in the form of a new shelter at the city s Paradise Centre. The shelter, one of five to be installed across East Cambridgeshire, was built with money from the Big Lottery Fund. It has been officially opened by

ELY youngsters have a place to call their own in the form of a new shelter at the city's Paradise Centre.

The shelter, one of five to be installed across East Cambridgeshire, was built with money from the Big Lottery Fund.

It has been officially opened by Ely's former mayor, Cllr Ron Bradney with the help of local youngsters and East Cambridgeshire District Council officers and councillors.

The shelter project was developed in partnership with Ely City Council and comes after the district council successfully bid for £200,000 of lottery money.

It was the youngsters' idea after researched show they wanted a shelter to replace a skate park on the site.

Michelle Burrell, East Cambridgeshire District Council's play and physical activity co-ordinator, said: "In our lottery bid, we made the promise not only to install new innovative equipment in play areas across the district, we also said the equipment would be chosen through consultation with young people, asking them what they wanted and what they would use.

"Shelters in other areas have given local young people a place where they can safely meet up with their friends and socialise. They have also reduced the perception of anti social behaviour which makes a big difference to many vulnerable people.