Sutton's centre for young people is saved from the chop

The county council, which already has one of the largest open access youth services in the county, says it is extremely proud of its youth service and young people in the county.

And it has reaffirmed that, despite the current financial pressures facing the local authority, it will continue to do all in its power to protect services for young people.

The announcement to safeguard the future of the centre in Sutton-in-Ashfield has been made at Full Council today as the annual Budget was discussed.

Speaking at a full council meeting today, Thursday, February 25, Coun David Kirkham, chairman of the Finance and Property Committee, at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “I can announce today that in response to young people’s concerns, we have lifted the threat of closure of Quarrydale Young People’s Centre. We will continue to work with the school and local community to move towards it becoming a voluntary led centre, but not with the threat of closure hanging over its head.”

Last November, the county council outlined a proposal to seek an alternative provider to manage the Quarrydale Young People’s Centre, which is in a building leased from Quarrydale School, in Stoneyford Road, Sutton-in-Ashfield, but that if this search was not successful that it may have to close.

The proposal was put out to public consideration as part of the annual Budget Consultation, with young people and others expressing genuine concerns about the proposal and stating their wish that alternative proposals were sought to safeguard its future.

The county council listened to the feedback from young people concerned about the possible plans and looked again at the proposal.

The county council has now decided to retain the provision until new arrangements are in place.