WIRRAL'S state-of-the-art youth hub The Hive has welcomed Birkenhead BID as a founder patron.

As founder patron, Birkenhead Business Improvement District (BID) will provide vital funding for the facility so that it can continue to provide young people somewhere to go.

The Hive is funded through a combination of public and private sector funding and relies on patrons to secure 50% of £1m annual running costs.

Birkenhead BID was set up with the support of local business in April 2016 and encourages visitors and greater investment in the town centre.

In recognition of Birkenhead BID’s patronage, The Hive presented a founder plaque to the organisation at a special ceremony held at the Youth Zone.

Speaking on behalf of Birkenhead BID chief executive of Wirral Chamber of Commerce Paula Basnett said: “The work which both The Hive and Birkenhead BID carry out is very important for the future of the area.

"Birkenhead BID has undertaken a number of key initiatives since its formation and there are clear indications that it has made a positive impact in making Birkenhead a better place, particularly in helping future generations who will be tomorrow’s entrepreneurs and will have pride in the town.

“In supporting The Hive we understand and applaud the initiative and the great success which is being created, so Birkenhead BID is delighted to a become a Founder Patron and looks forward to working closely with The Hive in the months ahead.”

The Hive has more than 6,000 young members and has been recognised by Birkenhead’s community police for helping to reduce anti-social behaviour in the area.

Chief executive of The Hive Stuart Barnes said: “We are hugely grateful for this commitment from Birkenhead BID, which will enable us to support their objective of making Birkenhead town centre a better place to visit, shop, work, invest and do business.

"We offer a great diversion for young people while their parents and guardians shop in the town centre and we have received positive feedback from both the police and local retailers regarding the impact we’ve had on anti-social behaviour here.

"With Birkenhead BID’s backing, we can build on this success and help to make Birkenhead a great place to be.”