WELLINGTON Youth Centre has been saved from closure, writes Barry Knott.

It follows Wellington Town Council’s decision at its monthly meeting on Monday to fund the centre for the next three years at a cost of £19,000 a year, although much of this money had already been allocated for the purpose.

Cllr Andrew Govier, who presented the case for keeping the centre open, said after the council meeting: “I’m delighted and proud that my fellow colleagues took such a brave and forward-thinking decision.”

In a report presented to the council, Cllr Govier warned that if funding was not found the centre would close at the end of July and the building would be given back to Somerset County Council with youth services in the town ceasing.

The centre is run by the Wellington Community Support Services (WCSS) which has been faced with a doubling of costs – from £12,000 to £24,000 – following the loss of two major funding sources.

The WCSS had managed to reduce these costs to £17,000 a year but despite support from the town council over the years it was unfortunately no longer sufficient to keep the centre running.

WCSS board member Paul Brunsch had with the support of the Rotary Club written to the council requesting additional support.

He had requested three-year funding because he was aware WCSS needed to secure a lease with Somerset County Council and the minimum period sustainable was three years.