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Canal education targets young people

9th Aug 2006

Young people from all over Leeds aged 13-19 are being invited to take part in a two week pilot programme supported by British Waterways Yorkshire to learn more about the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and use their energy in a constructive way.

The programme, led by Trevor Roberts of Bradford Motor Education Project (BMEP), will introduce young people to the pleasures of canal life by taking them on a narrowboat, looking at local wildlife and teaching them boat handling skills. They will also look at the possibilities of environmental improvements to encourage access to the canal from the LAZER Centre (Leeds City Council’s Learning Action Zone Education and Recreation Centre) at Armley.

The activities will stretch over an initial two week period as a pilot scheme but it is hoped that the project may attract further funding. Bradford Motor Education Project is partnered by British Waterways Yorkshire and has already enjoyed considerable success in steering young people who have become disinterested in school, away from becoming involved in anti-social behaviour.

Starting on Monday 7th August, the scheme will be actively involved with the Youth Justice Board’s Youth Inclusion Programme. Around 20-30 young people per day are expected to take part.

Trevor Roberts, a retired police officer who has been running BMEP for the past 15 years, and the marine division for three, said: "Not many people realise that they live near the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and what it can offer in terms of recreation – cycling, walking, fishing, canoeing and boating. Local young people from all over the city are involved in a variety of educational, enjoyable and positive activities at the Centre.

"There is a great opportunity here for us to work with the LAZER Centre, link up with the Canal and provide some constructive opportunities for local youngsters, and I hope that this will be a really positive starting point."

Laurence Morgan, General Manager, British Waterways Yorkshire said: "This is a great scheme which we fully support as part of our commitment to social inclusion and to encourage greater use of the waterways.

"We have worked with Bradford Motor Education Project for a number of years and they are achieving great progress in helping to make more people aware of the waterway network and the enjoyment which can be derived from becoming involved with it."

The narrowboat is operating from the LAZER Centre at Lenhurst Avenue, Armley Leeds, from 10am-5pm.

Anyone wanting to find out more about can contact Georgina Bright or Jim Turner at the LAZER Centre on 0113 2755033 or Trevor Roberts at Bradford Motor Education Project on 01274 613141.

Last updated: 22/10/2008