A public meeting was called last Friday by the Trustees of the Youth Centre recommending a change, of name to add the word “Community” to the title in line with how the Centre operates.
Not many turned up, but it was the only item on the agenda and as a reasonable suggestion, just a formal agreement was required. But the meeting was presented with an e-mail message sent from County Council Officer, Paul Hebron, Strategic Manager for Youth Services,  stating the name cannot be changed!
He said the change would take away emphasis from young people, challenging the Management Committee on how the centre operated and stating Aycliffe was not in line with other County Council Youth Centres.
His assertion was rubbished by those present questioning his right to direct the will of the people in a town he knows nothing about and rarely visits. If he knew the centre he would realise that community use has kept the building open and viable for over 35 years.
Prior to this it did operate solely as Youth Centre but was delapidated and losing £5,000 a year. A new Management Committee led by Syd Howarth opened the building for use, letting rooms to other organisations when not required for youth activities. In a period that followed the Youth Centre had a surplus of £30,000!
During this time it was also used for YTS training, Adult Educational Courses and much more, making the Youth Centre a real community focal point.
At no point were youth activities side-lined or reduced. In fact youth work is written into the constitution as the primary function of the Youth Centre.
This is just a common sense use of public facilities to bring in necessary funds and provide wider usage of the building which has produced fantastic results over the years. All the funds brought into the Centre are used to keep the building operational and provide for the youth such as a mini bus, I.T., sports and music equipment, activities including outings all over the country for the youth of the town. The youth activites side is still very dependent on community use which provides 90% of the centre’s income.
The emphasis would remain on youth and nothing will change except the name “Newton Aycliffe Youth and Community Centre”, reflecting its full purpose.
Paul Hebron said this change does not fall in line with other County Council Youth Centres whereas there are other places where this name applies (Horden Youth & Community Centre). His last minute e-mail to the Management Committee was uncalled for forgetting all the trustees are volunteers from the community giving their time free to keep the facility open. As an employee of the taxpayer, he should have a higher regard for public opinion.
After the meeting County Counc. Kate Hopper insisted 15 people had to be present for the vote to be carried. The committee, unhappy with her performance as the Council representative, were calling another special meeting to propose a vote of no confidence in the Councillor and have her removed.
Counc Hopper has since resigned, but in line with her demands a further meeting will be held to confirm the change of name.