Teen hangout plan for Morecambe bus station gets green light

Members of the city council cabinet agreed that plans for the re-purposing of Morecambe Bus Station as a youth hangout area were in principle suitable for the site when they met on Tuesday.

The £7,000 refurbishment of the building will give young people in the resort a place to meet up, and it is hoped this will lead to a reduction in anti-social behaviour around the town. There has been a young people-related anti-social behaviour hotspot in central Morecambe not far from Morecambe bus station.

Confirmed locations have included Morecambe library, the foyer at Morrisons supermarket and in some fast food outlets.

The attentions of the council’s anti-social behaviour team working with the neighbourhood policing team in parts of Morecambe have also seen some dispersal and displacement of young people towards Lancaster city centre.

The lack of a suitable hangout area for young people is believed to be a significant part of the reason why this has happened.

It is felt that a hangout area is likely to be positively received if it is located in an area where young people would choose to spend time together, and particularly if it offers some shelter, seating, lighting and ideally wifi connectivity.

Young people are already using the bus station in its derelict state, largely due to its location close to the skate park.

Council officers believe that carrying out minor work on the building and offering it as a hangout space would help to minimise anti-social behaviour.

Young people consulted about the plans said the building is in a favourable location.