All aboard as Street Stuff buses get back on road

Two buses used to help give the young people of Renfrewshire somewhere to go in the evenings are back on the road and coming to a venue near you.

The award-winning Street Stuff youth diversionary project runs a programme of activities – such as street football – at various sites in the area.

Street Stuff buses launchUntil last year, the Street Stuff timetable included a youth bus and gym bus, which went temporarily out of use when Arriva – which operated the vehicles – was taken over by McGill’s.

But the two buses have since been given a makeover by McGill’s and are now back on the road.

Councillor Eddie Devine, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Environment and Infrastructure Policy Board, met up with Ralph Roberts, managing director of McGill’s, to help show off the revamped vehicles at St Mirren Park.

Councillor Devine said: “Over the last few years, Street Stuff has been doing fantastic work around Renfrewshire, with a clear trend showing a reduction in youth disorder in the areas where it operates.

“While many young people will enjoy taking part in the street football, it is important we offer a range of activities which will be of interest to everyone.

“The youth bus and gym bus have plenty which will help give those aged 10 to 18 something to do in the evenings and we are pleased they are back on the road.

“While Street Stuff has already won a series of awards, we are keen to build on its success, and the return of these buses will help us to do that.”

Ralph Roberts of McGill’s added: “McGill’s is delighted to support such a worthwhile initiative as the Street Stuff programme.

“The buses offer easy access to great facilities for teenagers across the McGill’s operating area and we were only too happy to get involved. We wish the team every success.”

The youth bus boasts Playstation and Xbox games consoles in its computer area, as well as musical equipment. The gym bus has six pieces of cardiovascular fitness equipment and Wii Fit computer games.

As well as street football with coaching from St Mirren, the Street Stuff timetable includes The Box, a multi-functional games area.

Street Stuff is a partnership between St Mirren FC, Renfrewshire Council, McGill’s, Strathclyde Police, Strathclyde Fire and Rescue, Engage Renfrewshire and Reid Kerr College.

The programme attracts more than 20,000 young people a year and has led to youth disorder dropping between 18% and 40% in each area where it operates.

The current Street Stuff timetable can be viewed at www.activerenfrewshire.co.uk

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