A recording studio in Chippenham which nearly closed when Wiltshire Council youth services funding changed has been awarded £5,000 by the Chippenham Area Board.

Riverbank Studios was being run as part of the Integrated Youth Service but became an independent organisation in October 2014.

Guy Britton and Thomas Mallard set up Riverbank Studios as a Community Interest Company and will use the grant for start up and running costs such as offering band development support, a recording studio, practice space and performances time.

Mr Britton, a director of the company, said: “We are pleased we managed to get the funding, half a year ago it looked like it was going to be lost.

“The hope is that we can support young musicians as much as possible.”

“Previously the studios were open two nights a week but with the funding it’s now possible to offer the studios and rehearsal space four nights a week.”

The studios, at the Olympiad in Chippenham, aims to deliver high-quality service, cheaper than commercial studios, allowing young people get affordable professional facilities.

This year major changes have been made to youth services at Wiltshire Council with a community led model now favoured to provide young people with activities they want to do.

Richard Williams,the community youth officer for the town, said: “This is something the young people have told us they are keen to have.”

Mr Williams has helped set up a Local Youth Network steering group to coordinate youth activities.