South Gloucestershire | Archive | 2005 | November | 25
From the archive, first published Friday 25th Nov 2005.
A POPULAR youth club in Yate is facing possible closure after South Gloucestershire Council refused to fund its rent from next year.
Told that they are no longer entitled to a grant which covers the rent of Brimsham School hall and gym, Brimsham Green Youth Wing is set to be slapped with a £7,500 annual bill next year, potentially forcing the club to close.
The club, which offers a haven for youngsters four nights a week, is now desperately searching for funding to pay next year's rent.
Staff are appealing to businesses, parents and other organisations in Yate to step forward and help the successful club, which attracts over 150 children a week.
Treasurer of the youth club, Margaret Waterman told the Gazette that it would be a disaster if the youth club were forced to close down.
"This club means so much to young people in the area that it is essential that everyone tries to keep it open," she said.
"This youth club not only keeps children and young adults entertained and happy, but also keeps them out of trouble. Without this club they would all have to find something else to do."
Around 150 teenagers, both girls and boys, enjoy activities arranged by the youth wing or just relax and make new friends at the club every week. South Gloucestershire Council spokesman Debra Davies said that the drop in funding was included in the contract signed by the youth club earlier this year.
"As with all our contract agreements, the full requirements of the tender agreement will need to be met and we have offered the management group advice and support on how best to achieve this for April 2006 onwards," she said.
If anyone can help the youth club they should call 01454 315255.
© Newsquest Media Group 2008