Joy as club reopens (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)
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Joy as club reopens
11:25am Monday 14th March 2011 in Parents' Guide
Team leader Siobainn Chaplin, far left, TARA chairman John Alford, Cllr Jeff Osborn, Helen Osborn and youth club founder Dave Nutley with youngsters
A YOUTH club that was closed four months ago has re-opened on a six-month trial.
An incident at the club involving youths surrounding the community centre four months ago forced the club’s closure.
Many of the workers were at the re-opening with council chiefs, councillors, residents’ association leaders, police and young people recently.
Club committee president Cllr John Knight said: “We agreed a sixmonth probationary period to see how it goes but I am very optimistic that it will go well.
“We have had problems over the years and they culminated in the events of last year but in all fairness we have got to give everyone a chance because it is a centre for the community and the young people are a part of that.
“Now it is up to everyone to give the young people a sense of ownership about their club so it can continue to grow.”
Teenagers enjoyed an indoor bouncy castle, pool table, music, food and drinks.
Amy McColgan, 14, of Manor Road, said: “If we didn’t have this everyone would just be messing about outside. While it was closed we were just sat in the park so we’ve missed it a lot. We really need the youth club to stay open.”
John Alford, chairman of the Studley Green Tenants’ and Residents’ Association, said: “We are absolutely over the moon.Everyone has worked really hard to get it this far and I hope that we can now go from strength to strength.”
The bouncy castle was provided by Active Trowbridge, a town council-led initiative.
The club meets every Wednesday, from 6.30pm.
