A SUPERVISED nightclub for teenagers could soon be up and running in Ulverston.

Owner of the Sun Inn on Market Street in Ulverston, Dave McKenzie, has offered the free use of his night club, Clancy's, for youngsters aged between 13 and 16-years-old.

The Cumbria Association for Clubs for Young People, based at Keswick, has identified a need for a disco in Ulverston after consulting with young people in the town.

Members are now working with Ulverston Town Council, police and youth workers to try to get the nightclub open from 7pm to 10pm on a Friday night.

Ulverston town mayor Dave Miller, town and district Coun Colin Hodgson, town centre manager Jayne Kendall and members of the association have been to visit a similar scheme already operating in Toppers Night Club in Penrith.

In Penrith, youngsters who attend the weekly club are issued with picture identification cards, which include contact details of a parent or guardian.

There is no alcohol served on the night and youth workers are on hand to discuss

any problems being experienced by the

teenagers.

Area support worker for the Cumbria Association for Clubs for Young People, Helen Churchman, who is based in Ulverston, said: "It is still in the very early planning stages so the finer details still need to be sorted out but we were very impressed with the one in Penrith. The scheme was started after we consulted with youngsters in schools and a disco was a common theme for what they wanted in Ulverston. They just want a safe place where they can hang out and listen to music.

"We are working in partnership with lots of organisations, including the police, so it will be a very well planned scheme.

"We are hoping to get it opened between the end of January and the beginning of February."

Coun Miller said: "I was very impressed with the set-up in Penrith and I believe one in Ulverston will be greatly appreciated by the young people."

Mrs Kendall said: "We need to do something in Ulverston for young people and I think if this is planned properly, which it will be, it is an excellent idea."

January 16, 2003 16:00