Bunka youth centre finally opens

YOUNG people in Bungay celebrated the opening of a long-awaited youth centre at the weekend.

Huge efforts to provide better facilities for young people in Bungay have led to the opening of The Bunka, which boasts a television room, computers with internet access, PlayStation and a graffiti wall.

Project leaders say the ethos is that it is a place that will be run by young people for young people, where youth workers will be on hand to supervise. It will give young people a base where they can relax in their free time, do homework and enjoy movie nights and other activities.

The �70,000 facility opened on Saturday after two years in the planning, which saw young people have a huge input into the centre's design and facilities.

Simon Thompson, chairman of the Bungay Youth Partnership and a town councillor, said: “I'm just really excited. At times it sometimes feels like you're never ever going to get there so it's just brilliant that we're actually there.”

He added: “The town desperately needs something for the young people and here it is. It's been worth it.”

Aimed at 13-24-year-olds, The Bunka will be open initially on Thursday and Friday evenings and Saturdays, although its opening hours in the long-term will be dictated by demand.

Organisers say they hope that the Bridge Street premises, formerly a kebab shop, will be used by community groups during the day.

The project, spearheaded by the Bungay Youth Partnership with the support of the town, was completed thanks to several grants, including �37,000 from the Criminal Justice Board Community Cashback Scheme.

Although the official opening took place on Saturday, the finishing touches are being put to the project that will see it open its doors to the young people in the next few weeks.

For information on the Bunka email bungay@btconnect.com or call 01986 897144.