THE Cuckoo Meadow Estate, in Minehead, has secured more than £150,000 from the Big Lottery Fund to spend on youth projects aimed at keeping young people off the streets.

Ranked in the top 22% of England’s most deprived areas, the Cuckoo Estate in the Minehead South ward will receive £154,954 from the Big Lottery Fund.

The money will go towards a new project by West Somerset Council, working with Somerset Rural Youth Project and Minehead Eye to provide new space on the estate for children and young people to come together and participate in outdoor play activities.

Currently, the majority of recreational facilities are in the town centre such as the Minehead Eye, so the children tend to play on the streets.

A spokesperson for West Somerset Council said: “A census in 2011 showed that out of 2,635 people living on the estate, 429 of them were 0- to 10-year-olds.

“Parents and carers are very concerned about the children continuing playing in the streets due to the lack of facilities in the play area. The project will address this.

“When we consulted the community in October 2014, their top choices for equipment in the Cuckoo Meadow Activity Area were a climbing frame, basket swing, zip wire, five aside metal goal posts, swings and picnic tables.

“Our next steps will be to work with the community to finalise the design for the activity area.”

The project will include an Activity Trainers Service, Youth Hub Service and an activity play area.

Next steps will include involving local members of the community on the Cuckoo Meadow Estate in the ‘Cuckoo Meadow Steering Group’ to agree next steps.

Any local residence wishing to be involved in the project should contact Gail Sloman on gksloman@westsomerset.gov.uk or telephone 0984- 635208.