Anger at closure of Chirk Youth Centre
The closure of a youth centre on the Shropshire border has taken away a vital "anchor" in young people's lives, councillors have heard.
Chirk Youth Centre was among a total of 23 closed by Wrexham Council to save £90,000 earlier this year.
A meeting of Chirk Town Council last night heard councillors were not convinced a new youth service outreach system which is set to replace the work the centre provided would be a success.
The outreach system sees youth workers arrange to meet youngsters two evenings a week and also arrange transport for them to take them to youth centres in other towns.
Councillor Hilary Spragg said her grandchildren were among many youngsters who used to visit the youth centre on a regular basis.
She said: "They had an anchor, they had somewhere to go. They are not sure what they are going to be doing and they miss it dreadfully."
Andrea Jackson, from Wrexham Council's youth service, said a draft programme of activities for Chirk was being drawn up.
She said youngsters could still meet youth workers and events would still be held, adding that the youth service would be looking at hiring a venue in Chirk for specific projects and carry on meeting youngsters twice weekly.
Councillor Frank Hemmings questioned how the closures had been organised.
He said: "My concerns is the youth club has closed but you still don't have a plan in place.
"It is a bit back to front."
Councillor Suzanne Newell said she was concerned the closure of the centre meant the young users were not in a contained building any more.
She said: "I am angry and I am frustrated.
"We have had a youth club for I don't know how long."
