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PCC backs official opening of exciting new community hub in Llandudno

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FoMS

A new community resource officially opened its doors in West Shore, Llandudno on Friday 24 January with the aim of providing a home for a local community action group, a place where young people can go to learn new skills and meet friends, and a ‘Warm Hub’ for all during the cold weather. North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin has given his support to the opening of the hub and its aim of both serving the local community and combating antisocial behaviour (ASB) in the town.

The hub is located in a former shop on the corner of Alexandra Road and Bryniau Road next to the Maesdu Bridge and has been set up by local volunteer group the Friends of Mostyn Street, and their youth arm, FoMS Kidz, which has many young members drawn from the local community. Friends of Mostyn Street was set-up in April 2023  with the goal of maintaining the town centre of Llandudno through activities such as litter picking, painting, gardening, general care and community events.

There was strong feeling that young people should also feel invested in the town and in the work of the group, and many youngsters also wished to show how much they value and take pride in being part of the community. FoMS Kidz was therefore created by local community activists in West Shore to support the work of Friends of Mostyn Street around the town. Since then, dozens of the young people involved have regularly taken part in litter picks and other community work to help keep their community looking spick and span.

The new hub will act as a base for FoMS Kidz work in the community and will also offer a space where the young people can meet under supervision and enjoy spending time with friends. The hope is that this will also provide diversionary activities for any young people who might otherwise have nothing to do and, perhaps, get into trouble.

The project has been made possible through the combined efforts of FoMS Kidz and Friends of Mostyn Street along with funds raised during the Longest Yarn & More Project in October. This saw thousands of people visit an exhibition in Holy Trinity Church in Mostyn Street of scenes from D-Day created using wool. In addition, Go North Wales, in partnership with Holidaycottage.co.uk, and Asda have both generously awarded grant money to support FoMS Kidz and the creation of the facility, which is also recognised as a Warm Hub by Conwy County Borough Council. 

Clara-Rose Molloy, Chair of FoMS Kidz, commented: “FoMS Kidz’ hub has been made possible by my dedicated volunteers, who share my vision of creating a safe space for children to take pride in their town while learning, growing, and enjoying being kids. With the invaluable support of local businesses, we’re building brighter futures and tackling antisocial behaviour together.”

Ginis Rivers from Friends of Mostyn Street said: “Friends of Mostyn Street are very proud of our young people, their families and their efforts to combat stigma and antisocial behaviour through service to the community and fun activities. This is not a youth club as such, but a safe, warm place where our young people can learn skills and grow in confidence. We are committed to supporting the young people in their efforts and we hope the hub will also be a valuable community resource available for the wider area.”

Andy Dunbobbin, Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales, commented: “It’s a pleasure to support the opening of the new FoMS Kidz Hub and hear of the dedication of the volunteers and activists who have made this project possible. I have been struck by the determination of all involved to create something valuable for local people and the pride they show in their community.

“The fact that the young people of the area have shown such enthusiasm for volunteering in their local community and for setting-up this hub as a base for their activities is great to see and an example for many communities in North Wales. As PCC, I think it’s important to recognise the contribution our young people have to make, and how determined many of them are to see their communities remain tidy and well kept, free from crime and ASB, and welcoming to all.”

To learn more about Friends of Mostyn Street and FoMS Kidz visit: www.friendsofmostynstreet.co.uk