ASHBOURNES former mayor and a group of youngsters, hoping to get a youth centre off the ground, have been invited to meet their MP in Westminster.
Councillor Phil Chell along with the young people who are the driving force behind Zone 6 — the ongoing attempt to get a multi agency youth centre in Ashbourne were invited to Houses of Parliament by the Conservative Chief Whip Patrick McLoughlin.
After talking to Mr McLoughlin about their hopes for a centre, the youngsters — along with councillor Chell and youth workers Linda Rose and Caroline Butcher — were given a guided tour around the House of Lords and the House of Commons.
Councillor Chell said: “For many it was their first experience travelling on a train and visit to our capital city and a boat ride up the Thames, and walk around the main sights was a special pleasure.
“Work towards the new youth centre is still ongoing, even though it took a set-back when the hoped for funding didn’t materialise last year.
“Other possibilities are being looked into including renting space to keep this project moving forward so young people can be assured that this project is top of the agenda.
“Some local businessmen have offered support when the project is up and running. We are looking at all sorts of premises. Something will happen, it may not happen overnight, but I’m sure something will happen, and it needs to, there are a lot of young people in Ashbourne.
“The group would like to thank Patrick and Eileen (his secretary) for such an inspiring day, and to thank Derbyshire County Council who funded the trip through positive activities funding.”
A handful of agencies are linked with the youth project that is the brainchild of councilor Chell. The former mayor has been keen on the idea ever since his children told him that they have little to do in the town as way of entertainment.
Last year, a meeting was held in Century Hall, Station Road, attended by Ashbourne Police, Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, representatives from the district and county councils, the church, and Ashbourne Partnership who were all keen to get the project off-the-ground.
