Town Council offer for Youth Centre accepted

Welshpool Town Council has had an offer accepted to buy the town’s Youth Centre, but it comes with a caveat that could scupper the deal.

The future of the facility at Maesydre has been thrown into doubt recently with Powys County Council keen to offload the property as it looks to make savings.

But there have been concerns that the town could lose the vital service after developers showed interest in converting the building into bungalows.

But the Town Council, recognising its importance, wants the building and service secured for the long term and was given first option to buy, which they have taken up, but there is just one problem – they don’t have the money.

At this week’s Town Council Strategy, Policy and Development Committee meeting, councillors were united in supporting the bid, providing funds are provided.

It was not revealed just how much it would cost.

“Our offer, which is provisional and is therefore dependent on external funding being obtained, has been accepted,” said Cllr Alison Davies.

“The next step is giving them (Powys County Council) our proposals for what to do with the building and how to manage it.”

Cllr Billy Spencer, in support of securing the building, wanted to ensure that it is stressed to Powys that the purchase will only happen with 100% grant support. He also had a concern about the cost of running it beyond the purchase.

“Obviously I want to see it open, but I’m worried whether that external funding will cover everything? It’s expensive to maintain and repair a building, which the Youth Centre will need," said Cllr Spencer.

To which, Cllr Davies responded: “Powys Council know that unless every penny of funding is there, we won’t have it. We’ve made it clear that we would like to have it but won’t if it costs the council anything to buy it.”