November 26 2009

Ashburton’s youth café is on track to be open by February, with work beginning on the building.

Members of the Ashburton Youth Café Charitable Trust spent part of the weekend ripping up carpet and taking out the booths from the old Zeebo’s building, which is destined to be the home of the café.

 With the lease of the building now secure, café promoter Lynne Bridge said it was now a matter of financial sponsorship to keep things on track.

 The café is aimed at 10 to 19-year-olds to give them an alcohol-free, fun facility to hang out with friends.

 “There is still a lot to do (before they open) but this is what the kids want and it’s an achievable goal,” Ms Bridge said.

 Fundraising will continue and applications have been made to several trusts but they were looking for businesses to lend their support, including any good graffiti artists who would like to be involved.

Pictured: Tearing into the work at the old Zeebo’s building are (front from left) Hayden Fitzgerald and Stacey Smith, with Rangi Waaka and Kate Moses in the background. - Photo Kirsty Graham 221109-KG-135