Youngsters were celebrating today after a new youth centre was finally given the green light.

Earlier this year, Castle Point Council gave the Legacy XS scheme the go-ahead on condition residents opposing the project did not put forward any new objections.

Applause - Matthew Rose of Legacy XS shows off his skills Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY

Now the six-week consultation period is over, the council says there have been no alternative complaints and work on the site at South Benfleet playing fields can start at last.

The £125,000 project is set to include a skatepark, BMX ramps and homework support facilities.

Bosses at Legacy XS today expressed delight at the good news. Ian King, construction manager at the charity, said: "We are all so pleased.

"Now we can start carrying out surveys of the land behind Richmond Hall to determine what sort of foundations we need to put down for the building."

Ian Kennedy, crime reduction officer at the council, has won Home Office funding to pay for a minibus to take youngsters from across the borough to and from the centre.

Published Tuesday, April 22, 2003

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