KENILWORTH is presenting a united front to protect threatened youth services in the town.
The future of the Kenilworth Centre was uncertain in December when Kenilworth Town Council announced it would be stopping annual funding of £30,000, claiming it was not providing enough services for the town’s young people.
And in March the centre had to make the difficult decision to axe the role of Community Development Manager in a bid to save money.
But the town’s Lions, Rotary Club and Round Table have joined forces to come to the aid of the centre by providing £15,000 in grants to help to support running costs and expand the facilities and activities for young people. Each club will donate £5,000 this year and hopes to be able to continue the support for another two years.
As well as youth outreach services, since 2012 the Abbey End centre has hosted business events and parties, and even a recording studio for musicians and DJs.
Around 1,000 people visit the centre each week for dance classes, toddler groups, birthday parties, business events and the youth clubs.
Radio Abbey – Kenilworth’s own radio station – is also recorded and broadcast from the centre, and Abbey Cinema, which is held on two Saturday’s each month, screening family-friendly films.
Chair of trustees at the Kenilworth Centre, John Whitehouse said: “This is fantastic news. After a tough few months for the Kenilworth Centre, I’m delighted to be able to announce such a positive display of local support for our ongoing activities.”
President of Kenilworth Lions Paddy Murphy, president-elect of the Rotary Club of Kenilworth John Boothroyd and Kenilworth Round Table president Stuart Greenwood are all looking forward to working with the centre and helping it to continue working with the town’s young people.
Visit www.thekenilworthcentre.com for more information.
