THREE years of work by young people has come to fruition with a new alcohol-free bar in Whitefield.

Bar Juice has been created at the Shuttle Centre in Albert Road, linked to a community cafe holding healthy eating drop-in sessions.

The idea is to give young people somewhere to go which they will help run themselves, where they can also gain skills and qualifications.

The bar is supported by Bury Council, Rivers Housing Association and companies working with them. It was officially opened by Ivan Lewis, Bury South MP and the Government's minister for young people and learning.

"Residents know only too well the problems associated with young people congregating on streets," he said. "A few months ago I spent one Saturday evening travelling round the area speaking to young people and asking them why they decided to hang around on the streets.

"One of the main reasons was the lack of youth facilities in the area. Bar Juice is just the sort of scheme which addresses this problem. I'm sure it will be a great success."

Members of the youth forum will soon finalise what hours the bar will open.

Chris McMurdo, area youth manager, said: "Although the success of Bar Juice will be judged on the number of young people attending, we will also be looking at other factors. These will hopefully include a reduction in the number of reported alcohol-related criminal incidents, fewer complaints from local residents and greater peer responsibility.

"Most of all, we want to see everyone having a great time and enjoying something that they have created and that they can be proud of."