Dudley Parents Unite With Unusual Plan To Save Youth Center From Cuts

People want to save a youth center in Dudley. The Meadow Road center might close soon. This is due to planned budget cuts. A campaign works to change the council’s mind.

Young people from Wren’s Nest made a song. It shares their message. They also started a petition. They hope to stop the funding cut of £80,000, which would remove the youth worker role.

Mandy Murphy’s son went there years ago. Now, she works with current users. She says it is a safe place. The youth workers are good role models.

Kids are upset about the possible closure. Claire Mills says it is her son’s secure place. Everyone feels safe and supported there.

Kelsey Hackett went there as a child. She says it changed her life. Youth workers helped her get on track. Now, she owns a business.

Council leader Patrick Harley shared a possible solution. He said they are talking to Lawnswood Academy plus Priory Boxing Gym. They might take over the rest of the building.

Harley believes they can do better. They have trained professionals. These professionals can handle challenging behavior. The center has two workers and volunteers.

They offer sports, music, IT, and games three times a week. About 200 young people use these facilities. This services the Wren’s Nest community.

Karl Denning doubts a change would improve things. He thinks youth workers are unique. Closing it would hurt the community and might strain the police as well.

One mom said nobody listens to children. She and other parents want to save the center. They hope the council will listen.