Teens can lounge at their leisure

TRENDY lounge . . . Louise Dean and Andy Clarke

TEENAGERS in Shaw now have their own trendy lounge where they can chill-out with friends in safety.

High School Lounge is a unique nightspot exclusively for secondary pupils and boasts everything you would expect in a swish bar — except the alcohol.

Owner Andy Clarke came up with the idea after seeing children hanging around in Shaw and Royton.

He has transformed the former bridal shop in Beal Lane with stylish wallpaper and mirrors, wooden floors, plush sofas, trendy stools and a bar-style area selling snacks and non-alcoholic refreshments.

There is also a pool table and flat screen TVs showing music channels.

Andy (48), a member of Crompton and Royton golf club, has decorated the lounge with girlfriend Louise Dean.

He said: “It is an upmarket place for high school students to come and chill — a nice place for them in the afternoon and evening, a bit of comfort.

“It is trying to get them off the streets because there’s nowhere for them to go.”

The lounge opens from 3.30 to 9pm, Monday to Thursday, and from 6.30 to 10.30pm on Fridays.

Extended weekend hours are 1 to 5pm, re-opening from 6 to 10.30pm on Saturdays and 5.30 to 9pm on Sundays. Entry is £3.