TEEN shelters could be placed around Rochford district, thanks to a £20,000 investment.

Rochford district councillors are preparing to spend the cash on providing shelters where bored youngsters can hang out.

The money will be spent in seven parish and town council areas which have expressed an interest in the project. These are Rochford, Rayleigh, Hawkwell, Hockley, Hullbridge, Canewdon and Ashingdon.

Lesley Butcher, Rochford’s councillor for young people, said: “Young people have often said they would like a bit of space of their own – somewhere for them to go that’s their own.

“So we are responding to what young people are asking for and providing these teen shelters for them. We will also be consulting with parish councils and residents, but the youngsters will be a priority.”

The district council’s teen shelter is currently being loaned out to Rayleigh Town Council for a six-month trial where it has been a hit with local youngsters King George V playing field.

Because of its success, the town council hopes to get a permanent one built there, so the district council can use the shelter in other areas.

Ms Butcher added: “The teen shelter has been a real positive for Rayleigh, which has had it for six months.”

Other parish councils could then use the temporary shelter as a trial before applying for a permanent one.

About £18,000 would be spent between the seven parish and town councils and £2,000 will be used to transport the existing shelter to various sites throughout the district.

Hullbridge and Hawkwell parish councils have already received about £5,000 from the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership towards teen shelters in their areas.

Hawkwell is about to build a brick community shelter at Clements Hall Recreation Ground.

If agreed by members, the district council would also help the smaller councils apply for grants and find appropriate locations.