It's back! HorncastleYouth Club is set to re-open

At the ready: Tony Clark (Lions), Cynthia Bobo (LCC), Malcolm Padley (Lions), Viv Cross (LCC) and PCSO Nigel Wass

Next Monday (February 20) marks the long-awaited re-opening of the club at its headquarters off Jubilee Way after a three year absence.

It follows a lengthy campaign which has included representatives of several local organisations, the county council and the town’s police.

Viv Cross, a leading figure in the campaign, described the re-opening as ‘fantastic.’

Ms Cross, who works for Lincolnshire County Council’s Youth Hub, said: “So many people have worked so hard for this and it is absolutely fantastic everything has come together.

“The support we’ve had is fantastic.

“There is a real need for something like this in Horncastle.

“We’ve already had lots interest and if anyone is thinking about joining, my message is come and give it a go.

“It’s all so exciting. I can’t wait for Monday night.”

The club is available to anyone from school years 7 to 13.

A club for younger children is already up and running and officials are confident the new venture will be even more of a success.

Ms Cross added: “It was really disappointing the old club closed but I don’t want to go into all that.

“It’s important we look forward and everyone involved wants to make sure the club has a very successful future.

She said: “One of the most encouraging things is how people in Horncastlet have got behind this.

“We’ve had offers of help and support from people who used to be members and now want to put something back in.”

The first meeting will be open to parents so that they can see the range of activities on offer in what Ms Cross described as a ‘safe environment.’

She added: “We had a meeting last week and five new volunteers came forward and said they wanted to help.

“Another three people could not make the meeting because they were ill but they have confirmed they want to help.

“We’ve got the local Lions behind us, the county council has been brilliant and PCSO Nigel Wass has been so supportive.”

New volunteers are still needed and any offers of equipment or help to decorate the premises will be welcome.

A full list of potential activities is still being drawn up but the club will feature drama, sport, arts and crafts and outings.

*Meetings are between 7pm and 9pm at the former Primary School building.

Details are available from 01754 764424 or from PCSO Wass (07977598964)