New moves are underway to unlock a pot of cash to improve facilities for youngsters across Tendring.

A special seminar is to be staged for groups and organisations in the next six weeks.

And once information has been gathered about what is needed, efforts are to be made to come up with the money to tackle the wish list.

Pierre Oxley, who heads up Tendring Council's best value sub-committee, said it was time to do more for the youth of the district.

"There has been a failure by all administrations in the past to get to grips with issues for youngsters and we as a council are trying to put that right now," he said.

"There is plenty of money available out there and we need to tap into it."

Mr Oxley said the council did not have the resources itself but could help groups get funding through the lottery, Community Fund, and other sources.

He said that as a first step the council had agreed to put £30,000 into a skatepark for Clacton.

That will attract another £60,000 from outside bodies.

"The skatepark will be a reality early in 2003 and it is just the start of what we want to do," added Mr Oxley.

Published Tuesday August 20, 2002

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