Bid to save Hungerford's youth centre from sinking alongside club

Newbury College proposal put forward by town councillor

A RADICAL bid to save Hungerford Youth and Community Centre is under way.

However, the youth club which uses the facility looks likely to be lost.

Last year, the club committee held an extraordinary general meeting to discuss future options, including the ‘nuclear option’ – closure.

This would threaten other centre users including the Ladybugs Toddler Group, the Community of Hungerford Theatre Company, Wired Youth Club and the Hungerford Leisure Club.

Now town councillor Rob Chicken, appointed to the centre committee last November, has suggested using it as a base for Newbury College courses.

He said: “The situation is that [youth club volunteer organiser] Sue Da Costa is moving away from the area in the summer, and there is no one in the youth club management team who is willing to take over.

“When Sue leaves, the youth club is likely to close.

“Because of the uncertainty, we feel it is important to clearly separate the youth club funds from the youth centre funds.

“Going forward, the youth centre committee is keen to keep the centre active, even if no youth club exists, and to this end we have invited Newbury College to hold courses in the centre for apprentices in Hungerford and the surrounding areas.”

Mr Chicken said he had received a positive response from the college and added: “If you are an apprentice, or employ an apprentice, in the Hungerford area, and would like your day release training to be carried out here, then please contact the college direct, for advice.”