A report to next week’s Council cabinet is proposing to sell off all but four of the Council’s Youth Centres.
Any buyers would be expected to still provide youth services. But the report doesn’t say which organisations will be taking them on. Any Youth Centre earmarked for closure that doesn’t find a buyer will close.
Maypole Youth Centre in Druids Heath is one of the Youth Centres earmarked for transfer or closure. The Council plans to demolish it in a few years as part of the regeneration plans, but until then the Council wants to sell it to someone else to run.
Green Party Councillor Julien Pritchard said:
“Proposing disposal of Youth Centres without someone confirmed to keep them open is playing fast and loose with our young people.”
“I’m worried that this is just cover for closures. By approving this, Labour Councillors will put Youth Centres like Maypole at risk. They need to reconsider.”
“With Maypole Youth Centre earmarked for demolition in a few years because of the Council’s regeneration plans, who does the Council honestly think would take it on in the meantime?”
“If anywhere needs a youth centre it’s Druids Heath. But instead it’s seen as an easy target.”
“Youth services are a vital lifeline for young people. The Council can’t sell young people’s futures down the river. “
“We need plans that keep youth centres in Druids Heath and across the city for years to come. Not plans that risk shutting doors to young people. Our young people need cast-iron guarantees not vague proposals.”