THERE'S a new man at the helm of the Bridport Young Persons Action Trust charity.

Phil Lathey, who takes over from founder Arthur Woodgate, does so at a time when youth services are under threat.

Mr Woodgate said: "While it is recognised that there is an attempt to ensure the continued existence of the youth centre, the future of the actual work with young people is still clearly at risk.

"This includes the Outreach Programme, the Humph Sound Studio, and the SUMMENTOR Project."

These projects, started by Mr Woodgate, and the outreach work developed by Phil Lathey and the sound studio by BYPAT member Harry Warren are all in jeopardy, said Mr Woodgate.

But Mr Woodgate, who is staying on a secretary, said the recent agm was evidence of how many exciting projects the trust was involved in.

Bridport Town Councillor (and former Mayor) Maggie Ray was elected Treasurer.

Mr Lathey reported on the proposed partnership with Devon and Somerset based “The Project.” The need for adequate support for young people with mental health issues was re-emphasised, and it was agreed to proceed with developing this locally.

The partnership between BYPAT and Bridport Town Council to develop the West Bay Area to include facilities that could be shared by both the able bodied and those with a disability had been an outstanding success, although it had taken a number of years to bring to fruition.

A competition to design an “Inclusivity” sign had attracted a number of entries from the Sir John Colfox Academy and the final result included ideas from five students.

A second competition was underway in partnership with the Academy, this to design a memorial stone commemorating the visit of King Richard III in 1485. The intention is to unveil the memorial on the anniversary of the visit, on November 5, placing it opposite the remains of the Priory where he stayed, situated by East Bridge.

The Japanese Exchange, in partnership with Tokyo’s Koyamadai Educational Foundation, is now in its 20th year. A group of young people from Bridport, Lyme and Uplyme hosted their partners last summer and will be travelling to Japan soon to stay in Tokyo, visiting Hiroshima and Kyoto. The group will again be led by a former member – Ben Spicer, a young person on the exchange fifteen years ago.

Bridport Town Councillor and former Mayor Maggie Ray was elected treasurer.

BYPAT Members include Martin Ray, Magaret Trevett. Andrew Blake, Jason Foote, Justine Davey, Geoffrey Mann, Anita Darby, Bobby Harris, Red Smith, Debbie Gale and Debbie Bird.