DIY SOS youth hub responds to vandalism rumours

The leaders of a new youth centre built by DIY SOS volunteers said false rumours of vandalism had led to a stream of "awful" comments online.

On Saturday, an exercise machine left outside the Cherry Tree Centre in Beverley was mistaken for vandalism of new gym equipment, which was installed last month.

Some people took to social media suggesting vandalism had been inevitable, describing the building of the centre as a "waste of time and money".

Centre manager Jo Ramsay said no vandalism had taken place and young people deserved better than to be labelled as "scum" who did not deserve their new youth hub.

"If you walked in our shoes and see the difference that we can make to these young people, everyone deserves chances," Ms Ramsay said.

She said she felt "sad and gutted" after a picture of the exercise machine attracted more than 100 comments on Facebook, including "kids have no respect for anything or anyone" and "that's what they get for putting a youth centre on an estate".

The Cherry Tree Youth Hub was built by volunteers in May with support from the BBC television show DIY SOS.

In recent years, youth workers had been supporting young people in the Swinemoor area of the town out of gazebos and car boots.

The new building has a kitchen, a laundry room, toilets and areas for young people to relax and take part in activities.

Building inspectors and Humberside Fire and Rescue still need to sign off the building before it can be opened but Ms Ramsay said young people were gathering in the park in greater numbers as enthusiasm for the facility was growing.

"It's excitement and they just can't wait to start using the youth hub.

"We are here for an opportunity and for chances, not to have negativity like this."

The team is hoping to have the hub open before the summer holidays.

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