Anger mounts over threat to youth services

Second crisis meeting is planned to tackle cuts

AROUND 150 indignant people attended a crisis meeting over the future of Hungerford's threatened youth club services last night (Wednesday).

Some young people raised concerns about the proposed closure at the Town Plan Refresh meeting last Thursday, February 10, saying there will be nowhere for them to go if the facility at John O'Gaunt Community Technology College closes.

Also earmarked for the axe are facilities at the nearby Croft Field Centre used by Ladybugs parent and toddler group, watercolour artists and The Community of Hungerford Theatre Company for rehearsals for productions throughout the year.

Town councillor Denise Gaines said: “It was a good turnout because people are angry. There were lots of suggestions about taking over the running of services ourselves but where is the money going to come from for rates and amenities?”

Labour party organiser Richard Garvie has urged youngsters to lobby the West Berkshire council members for Hungerford about the cuts, and to also consider taking over the facilities themselves.

He added: "We hear all the time about the idea of the Big Society, but nobody will actually tell us what support is available to make it happen. I believe the community should rally around these young people who have had this facility removed without proper consultation, and ensure that it continues in some form.

“Maybe the children themselves could form a community group themselves with support from some responsible adults, and run the facility as an enterprise project which could also tie in with their school work. We just need to make sure that they have the funds in place to deliver it".

West Berkshire Council's executive councillor for Children and Young People, Gordon Lundie (Con, Lambourn Valley), said: "A reconfiguration of the current Youth Service is needed to make necessary savings.

“However, it is also a good opportunity to engage young people and the community in shaping the services that they want. The open meeting will be the first step in looking at how they can do that."

It was agreed at the conclusion of the meeting that representatives from each of the interested parties which will be affected by the closures will be invited to a follow-up meeting in Hungerford Town Council offices to thrash out an action plan.

The date of the next meeting has not been fixed but it is anticipated it will be within the next fortnight.