Pub function room converted to youth club

l Facilities at the Woolpack Inn, Wainfleet, being put to good community use

February 27, 2008: A youth club has been launched in the function of a Lincolnshire pub.

Lynne Tyas, licensee of Batemans' Woolpack Inn, in Wainfleet, said: "My plan is to run a club for young people aged 12 and upwards.

"I launched it on the first Monday in February, and it operates Monday to Friday from 4pm to 8pm, with an extension to 9.30pm on Friday. We already have over 30 young people attending and it has only been open a few weeks."

The function room, where the social club is housed, is situated at the rear of the pub and is entirely separate from the bar area. It accommodates a variety of facilities, including two pool tables, three darts boards, a computer and a hand football machine. There are also plans for a tuck shop.

"It's a challenge, but I'm sure it will be worth it," said Lynne. "There's very little for teenagers to do in Wainfleet. They're not a bad lot, in fact they're a great bunch of kids. They just want somewhere warm to socialise and have fun."

Lynne, who is originally from Cleethorpes, previously ran pubs in St Helen's, on Merseyside, and in Beckingham, near Sleaford. She also worked for Naafi outlets in German for several years. Since taking over the reins at The Woolpack, she has revitalised business such that it is now enjoying its best spell since the 1980s.

Regarding her new venture, Lynne has had clearance from the licensing team at East Lindsey District Council and from the police, both of whom have been supportive.

Stuart Bateman, managing director of Batemans Brewery, said: "We think Lynne is doing a fantastic job and fully support her youth club idea.

"If she is able to help young people stay out of trouble and provide a venue for them to enjoy themselves with their friends it helps everyone in the community and we will help her in any way we can."