The Big Bus

‘The Big Bus’ is an exciting new mobile youth facility jointly funded by The Bridge New Deal for Communities and the Youth Service. It makes state of the art equipment and facilities available on the estates where young people live. The Big Bus is equipped with plasma screens, a play station 2, careers advice, six computers, a music studio and recording booth. Throughout August a wide range of youth activities will be available from the bus supported by Haringey’s Youth Service Detached Team, as part of The Bridge New Deal for Community’s ‘Summer Fun’ programme.

Callum Murray (aged 12) said,

‘I think the Big bus is a lot of fun, a good place to chill out, make friends, make music and plan your future.’

Cllr Diakides attended one of the opening sessions and said,

“It really works!! Seeing all these young kids getting excited playing with all the computer goodies and music mini-lab they find inside this Alladin’s cave, is a delight”.

He added,

"The Big Bus is a great addition to the package of initiatives that we are providing for the young people of our estates. It is a constructive alternative to hanging around or getting into trouble. It widens horizons as regards the wonders of New Technology. Well done to The Bridge New Deal for Communities.”

Tim Clark, Neighbourhood Services Theme Manager for The Bridge New Deal for Communities said,

“Although all of these activities are great fun and educational, there are also some very serious reasons for our investment. Anti-social behaviour and violence are increasingly serious issues. Our Board feels particularly strongly that the young people of Tottenham should not have their life opportunities limited.”

The Bridge New Deal for Communities Youth Project Manager Yemi Akinfenwa said,

“Youth violence is currently a national issue and we don’t want to see its impact in Seven Sisters. The Bridge New Deal for Communities’ ‘Summer Fun’ programme is a direct attempt to divert the young people of the Seven Sisters area from anti-social behaviour. Given the chance, the young people of this area can achieve great things Stonebridge Youth and Lets Be Positive have led the way. We want to continue to see our young people in the papers for all the right reasons.”

The Big Bus will be at the following locations throughout August:

Mondays 2-5pm – Fred Messer Estate

Wednesdays 2-5pm – Plevna Estate

Fridays 2-5pm – Tiverton Estate

-ends-

Notes to Editors:

Release sent by:

Glenn Gossling, Communications Manager, The Bridge New Deal for Communities

Tel: 020 8489 8844

The Bridge New Deal for Communities is a £50m regeneration programme investing in the future of the Seven Sisters area of Tottenham. It began in 2001 and runs until 2011. The programme is funded by the Department of Communities and Local Government as part of a national £2bn programme of 39 New Deal for Communities.

Councillor Isidoros Diakides represents Tottenham Green Ward and is the Cabinet Member for Housing Services. He is also a full voting member of The Bridge New Deal for Communities Board