Progress on move of Young People's Club

THE new leadership of the Borough Council has confirmed its support for the relocation of Hinckley Club for Young People from the current site off Stoke Road to Richmond Park and to the continuing consultation with local residents.

The decision follows a productive meeting of a working group comprising Councillors, club representatives and council officers, which has been set up to oversee the project.

In a consultation carried out by the council earlier this year, 78% of local residents supported the Borough Council's proposal to relocate Hinckley Club for Young People from the current site off Stoke Road to Richmond Park with a building that will provide state-of-the-art facilities for young people in the area.

Mr Geoff Wells, Club Secretary thanked the council for their support for the project. He said: "We now believe after such a long time the wait has been worth it and look forward to working together with the new administration and all concerned with the ultimate aim in mind - a club for all future young generations to come."

The existing building has been on the present site since 1959. The Club, a registered charity, has over 200 members and numerous volunteers support the Club to ensure it provides a valued service to the local community.

This project complements the council's Community Plan, Corporate Plan and Cultural Strategy, all of which seek to enhance current provision for young people that will assist in diverting them from anti-social behaviour, encourage participation in healthy physical activity and to work in partnership with community groups.

Commenting on the position, the Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Stuart Bray, (Lib Dem, Hinckley Castle) said: "I welcome the initiative we are taking and acknowledge that there are some issues we need to iron out with the local community. We are engaging with them to address these issues."