WORK is finally underway on a £30,000 scheme to give Westleigh teenagers a place of their own.

Draxeda Construction have started work on a 'teenmeet' base on land off Briar Grove which will feature an arch swing on a rubber safety surface, two shelters, basketball post, litter bin, lighting and, hopefully, a midi half-pipe skate ramp.

Creation of the 'teenmeet' comes in response to residents' concerns about street corner gatherings by youths with nowhere else to go.

A multi-agency project team, including residents, Westleigh Community Partnership, ward councillors, council officers, Wigan & Leigh Housing, and the local community police officer, was formed to look at the problem and come up with a solution.

Project funds came from Manchester Guardians Society, the Childrens Fund, Douglas Valley Ltd, Wigan & Leigh Housing, Communities Against Drugs and Wigan Council.

On behalf of the Hope Carr/Leigh East Twin Ward Risk Management Group, Councillors Anne Turnock, Brian Jarvis and Keith Cunliffe said: "This project clearly demonstrates what can be achieved when the local community, council departments and other public services all pull together. Teamwork is helping turn a good idea into a reality."

The scheme should be completed by February.