A new shelter giving young people a safe place to hang out with their friends has opened on Borelli Walk. 

The shelter has been installed as part of a project by Farnham Town Council which aims to improve facilities for young people in Farnham. 

The former Mayor of Farnham, Councillor Pat Evans officially opened the shelter in a ribbon-cutting ceremony on 8 April. Guests included Ellie Vesey-Thompson, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey; Luke Price, Member of Surrey Youth Parliament, representing South West Surrey and Councillor Kika Mirylees, lead member of the Younger People Task Group at Farnham Town Council.

Speaking at the opening, Councillor Kika Mirylees said: “Farnham Town Council is committed to listening to young people and enabling them to have a voice. By providing a dedicated and informal space for teens to meet up and call their own, we hope to reduce the fear of incidents of anti-social behaviour in the town. 

“We have worked with partners to bring this shelter to fruition which will also serve as a focus for informal youth work. I would like to thank the office of the Police & Crime Commissioner for Surrey for awarding a significant grant to Farnham Town Council. This money has gone towards the purchase and installation of the shelter and path improvements.”

The hexagonal-shaped shelter offers bench-style seating and offers some protection from the weather. The design was chosen following a consultation with young people and both Ellie Vesey-Thompson and Luke Price commented on how they are impressed that Farnham Town Council has listened to the voice of young people. 

Farnham Town Council has included £10,000 in its current budget for young people support and is looking to hold several youth-focused events throughout the year.