YOUNG people in Southampton received an early Christmas present when a youth shelter was officially unveiled.
Costing £3,500, the shelter in Mansel Park, Millbrook, is designed to stop youths hanging around outside the Windermere Avenue shops.
The new facility was organised by senior neighbourhood warden Wayne Hooper after young people told him they had put the shelter at the top of their Christmas wish list.
Mr Hooper, 32, said: "The children suggested what they required. This shelter will give the young people somewhere to meet and to stay dry from the winter weather.
"It is close enough to the shops and the lights for them to feel safe without actually loitering around in the shopping area, which was causing a nuisance for shoppers and shopkeepers."
The Outer Shirley Regeneration Programme has funded the solid metal shelter. Hexagonal in shape and 12ft high, it will be checked every morning by wardens for signs of graffiti.
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