A DERELICT patch of land at a Halesowen youth centre has been transformed into a sports area and chill-out zone.

The Phase Trust carried out the makeover of the land next to its base in Owen House, Little Cornbow, with a £10,000 grant.

The money was approved by West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson from the Proceeds of Crime Act, which ensures criminals’ ill-gotten gains are put to good use.

The Phase Trust, which was set up by church and community leaders in 1999 to support young people, used the money to clear the derelict land and turn it into a sports area and place for youngsters to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

Head of community outreach Tim Davies said: “Before we got the funding, the land outside wasn’t a true representation of the youth centre we have inside.

“Now, the space is no longer wasted and has its own identity, it also provides a much better first impression. It’s safer for the young people throughout the week and provides a proper entrance to the youth centre.

“It’s made a massive difference to what we do. Some people who maybe struggle to engage with the activities inside can now go outside and chill for a bit or engage in a different sporting activity. “

He added: “The young people love it because it offers more range of sporting activities for them to do each week. It’s also really good in the summer for them to hang out with each other somewhere where it is light and cooler than being inside all night.”

The funding source is being renamed the Active Citizens Fund and Mr Jamieson urged community groups to apply for a share.

He added: “Phase Trust is a wonderful project run by some truly inspirational people and it was great to see everyone making the most of the improvements.

“The sports area looks fantastic and I hope the young people enjoy it for many years to come.”