A YOUTH club that has served Winsford’s youngsters for 45 years is again under threat of closure.

Winsford Youth Forum said they were facing a ‘dire situation’ after a bid to take control of the New Images youth club building was knocked back by Cheshire West and Chester Council.

The charity hoped to acquire the Nixon Drive facility by submitting a bid for an asset transfer with the authority in November 2013.

But CWAC have told the forum that their bid will be rejected.

Bob Barton from WYF said: “New Images is a well established youth centre, with a long history of community input.

“It’s been well used over the years and is consequently well known throughout Winsford.

“The need for continual youth provision at a buzzing venue is imperative. It’s important that Winsford residents are aware of the dire situation we’re facing.”

New Images opened in 1969, operating as a purpose-built youth centre until 2002, when operational control passed to Verdin High School – now the Winsford Academy – under a joint use provision agreement with the former Cheshire County Council.

Outlining why the building would not be transferred to WYF, CWAC cite the building not being fit for purpose, WYF not being organisationally strong enough to take on the role, and lacking an adequate business plan or building development skills to bring the facility up to scratch.

Bob said that there was ‘no alternative, suitable building’ to house services and the cost of fixing up New Images would be around 200k.

“To make it fit for purpose, we all agree, will take a considerable amount of money, especially with repairs to the roof, flooring, windows, electrics and heating,” added Bob.

“A separate funding plan for that has already been established via our partner organisation, the Youth Federation and WYF has the opportunity to apply for grants, which together negates the need for any additional costs from CWAC.”

WYF are also hopeful of finding a partner organisation to drive forward negotiation with CWAC and formulating an updated business plan.