Youth club set to be launched (From Cotswold Journal)

Youth club set to be launched

10:55am Thursday 24th January 2013 in News

A SEVENTY-year history of youth services in Chipping Campden is to be resurrected with the opening of a new youth club.

Youngsters in the town have not had a meeting place since the resignation of the youth worker at St James’ Church two years ago.

But thanks to the town council, a new club is being launched next month and is expected to cater for up to 30 young people from Chipping Campden and Broad Campden.

The town council has pledged to fund £4,000 to the project and hopes other funding will come from Cotswold District Council, St James’ Church and other organisations and events.

Sessions will be held initially once a week in the old police cell area, in the Old Police Station, High Street, which will be rented by the town council from the Campden and District Peelers Trust for the youth club to use.

Town councillors welcomed the news at their last meeting on January 8.

“This is exactly what the town wants at a time when there are other things which are not as good news,” said Councillor Graham Greenall.

“The whole point about this project was it is to be a community facility.

“This appears to be very well set up. I’m totally in favour.”

The club would also provide for young people with disabilities or who care for family members as it is estimated there are about 12 young people who care for siblings or parents.

Mayor Chris Jones said: “We have had a youth club for more than 70 years and I was very disappointed when it folded two years ago.

“I am thrilled that the town council, Peelers Trust, Cotswold District Council and other supporters have been able to work together reopen the youth club putting young people at the heart of Chipping Campden where they belong.”