THE £6m youth hub The Hive has been praised for helping thousands of young people in Wirral by Merseyside's deputy police commissioner.

Cllr Emily Spurrell took a tour around the state-of-the-art facility on Bright Street, Birkenhead with Hive chief executive Stuart Barnes.

Opening in April 2017, The Hive hopes to provide a safe environment for youngsters to enjoy while giving them opportunities to raise aspirations and confidence. 

It now has more than 6,500 members and earlier this month it was awarded ‘Autism Champion’ status, recognising its commitment to providing autism-friendly services and ensuring youth workers and management are full trained.

Ms Spurrell said: “The Hive is a fantastic asset to young people across the Wirral.

"With its wide range of activities and facilities and its dedicated and caring team, it offers a safe and supportive environment for young people to develop and to reach their full potential.

“It is clear that the management, staff and volunteers are incredibly passionate about giving each and every child that visits the Hive the best possible start in life.

"The fact that thousands of young people are now using its facilities demonstrates just what a huge impact the Hive is having, both on their lives and communities across the Wirral.

"It was also great to hear of the really successful diversionary work the centre carried out during Halloween and Bonfire Night with a small grant from the Commissioner’s Police Property Act fund to engage with more than 2,600 young people and help prevent them from getting involved in dangerous activities.

“If it wasn’t for the work of the Hive some of those young people could otherwise be in danger of losing their way and even being exploited by older people who are involved in crime.

"Once a young person gets a criminal record it can blight their future prospects. If a community or voluntary organisation, like the Hive, can prevent them from making mistakes at a young age we can look forward to a better future for them.”

Ms Spurrell kicked off her tour of the borough at Wallasey Police Station where she was met by Merseyside Police’s superintendent Ian Hassall and chief inspector Nick Gunatilleke who gave her an overview of policing issues in Wirral.

They also discussed the innovative work of the Safer Wirral Hub to prevent issues before they arise in the area.

The deputy commissioner then visited Bebington Police Station, which officially re-opened its doors a year ago after a major refurbishment as part of the Commissioner, Jane Kennedy’s strategy to transform and modernise Merseyside Police’s stations.

Ms Spurrell added: “It was great to see the modern, fit-for-purpose facilities which are now being used by officers, PCSOs and staff in Bebington.

"This refurbished station puts Merseyside Police right at the heart of the community in an environment which suits their needs now and for the future, in a building which is affordable and efficient.

"This was the first major refurbishment carried out as part of the Commissioner’s 10-year strategy to transform the Force’s buildings and, as such, it has helped to set the standard for all future developments.

“It was a pleasure to meet the teams who are now working from Bebington and hear about the great work they are doing to serve the local communities.”