A ball court is having a game changing effect on young people’s lives after it underwent improvement works.
The revamp on St Raphael’s Estate came about when the council teamed up with Wates, the contractor responsible for maintenance on the estate, who agreed to carry out the works free of charge.
Residents voiced their concerns about the conditions of the ball court, which was preventing it from achieving its full potential. Brent included a revamp in its plan for the estate. Following the repair of the lights and installation of new chain linked nets, Wates agreed to resurface the court and repaint the lines as part of its commitment to the community.
“It’s made a huge difference,” said 22-year-old Yasin Hamza of Lansbury Close. “I have been using that court since I was 17. There were no hoops and no lights for a long time. But this year everything was revamped and that has impacted how we use the court. Now we have lights, we stay out playing later.”
Kevin Mugulu, 33, of Besant Way, said: “I have lived in St Raph’s all my life. I remember playing there in the early days when there were no lights. The revamp is a big help. It makes young people want to come out. It reinstalls faith that the council cares.”