A NEW trust has applied to the county council to keep Bridport Youth Centre open.

In January, Dorset County Council agreed to cut funding for youth services across the county in a bid to save around £1m from the budget.

But a group, led by town councillors, is pushing ahead with plans to safeguard the services and hopes the building will be handed over to the new trust.

Cllr Ros Kayes, chairman of the interim trust, said: “Rather than see the building close, we have taken practical steps to keep our local services going.

“The development of the Bridport Youth and Community Centre Trust is the first stage to making this happen. So far we have set up an interim trust, written a business plan and submitted a formal application for the building to be transferred from Dorset County Council to the Bridport and Youth Community Centre Trust.

“We are keen to ensure the community is aware of our intention to keep the building open.”

Last week, the Bridport News reported that the county council has agreed to allow a trust in Beaminster to use the premises at Prout Hill for any new youth centre.

The Bridport trust should find out later this month if its application for the youth centre building has been successful.

Bridport Town Council has already provided the trust with £10,000 to support the opening of the building and £5,000 to support the continuation of youth work and a youth club. West Dorset District Council has also provided a grant of £1,000 towards the project.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

Cllr Sarah Williams, leader of Bridport Town Council, said: “Bridport Town Council is keen to support our valued local services. The support for the youth centre is a priority in our new town plan. As well as allocating funding, we are also working with the interim trust and with our colleagues in Dorset County Council to help secure the future of the centre.”

Two new trustees, Christine Turner and Jenny Lawrence have joined Cllr Kelvin Clayton and Cllr Kayes on the interim body.

The interim trust will also be meeting the Bridport Youth Council, made up of representatives of local schools, who recently discussed the youth centre and how young people in the area can help.

Cllr Kayes added: “To help us achieve our vision for the centre, we would love to hear from other people who are able to give their time and be part of the new trust.

If you would be interested in becoming a trustee, please contact Bob Gillis, Bridport town clerk on 01308 456722 or email r.gillis@bridport-tc.gov.uk