Community backing for new youth club in Horncastle

The club will be based at the Youth Centre off Jubilee Way .

Until it is officially set-up, the county council will work with various community groups to provide what it describes as ‘services for young people.’

The Centre was re-decorated last week by teenagers taking part in their National Citizens’ Service scheme (NCS).

The county council confirmed the youth club would be starting up again – with support from the local community.

Jo Kavanagh, county council service manager for children’s services, said: “We are pleased to confirm that our staff will be providing services for young people in the centre, in partnership with a number of other community groups, for the foreseeable future.

“The lease with the previous group expired last week but another community group are eager to take on the lease and we will be exploring this with them while the centre remains open.

“While this progresses, a full range of activities will now resume and junior and senior youth clubs are being set up.

“There is also a number of other groups who will continue to use the centre with new bookings for parents and tots and other groups being introduced.”

It is four years since the town’s previous youth club closed.

One of the people supporting the new venture is business owner Jonathan Ferrari.

Mr Ferrari, who is also a town councillor, said: “I am delighted to be involved with anything that brings new opportunities for the youth of the town.”

Horncastle-based PCSO Nigel Wass said Lincolsnhire Police were keen to offer their full support.

He said: “We have been involved in initial discussions and meetings and think it is a fantastic idea!”

PCSO Wass added that a number of youngsters and parents had offered to support the new club.

Meanwhile, teenagers from the NCS scheme said they were delighted to help towards the re-opening of the youth centre.

Sixteen-year-old Ruth Boardman said: “It’s been hard work decorating, but it’s great to think local people will benefit.”