End of an era for Melksham’s young people as youth centre closes after 40 years

Canberra Youth Centre in Spa Road will officially close its doors for the last time after welcoming young people in Melksham for over 40 years.

The service has played a vital role in many people’s lives in Melksham since it opened in the 1960s.

However, the youth centre has been axed as part of Wiltshire Council’s plans to cut youth services by 38.5%, meaning 24 of the authority’s youth centres are set to close in a bid to cut £500,000 from the youth service budget.

The cuts are also expected to see many youth workers countywide lose their jobs.

That decision led to many Melksham teenagers campaigning to save the service. Jack Oatley from that campaign group and volunteer at Canberra Youth Centre said, “It is not right that the centre has closed; the service has played a vital role in many people’s lives in Melksham and without it, people will suffer.

“To me it doesn’t make sense as they might save money by closing the centre, but the cost incurred by the police and other services as a result of kids causing trouble in the street will make the cuts in youth services pointless.”

Youth volunteer Jacs Brady said, “The message this sends to young people is that they are not worth it and I know they are. We understand cuts have to be made, but we need an adequate place to give these amazing people a chance. Wiltshire Council have not communicated well and what they do tell us is a spin, with the truth between the lines.”

Lee Gunton from Melksham who is also the Deputy Member of Youth Parliament (DMYP) for the area said, “The closing of Canberra Youth Centre will have a major impact on some young people in Melksham. I am a strong believer that having a place for young people to go is a lot better than having us hanging around in the street. For some, the links that the youth centre made with young people was absolutely crucial to the lives of many. This will be missed!

“However, the new campus in Melksham will provide young people with more activities and a place to take part in new things, so it is not all doom and gloom. The cuts to the budget mean that something had to change, and it’s sad that it had to happen.

“Whilst the closure is disappointing and will impact upon many, the new campus will provide new services and Wiltshire Council will provide new provisions for young people, which should come into effect soon.”

Celebration Fun Day

As they face the loss of the important facility for the town’s young people, youngsters are putting on a brave face by marking the centre’s closure with a fun day on Friday 8th August between 2-6pm where users of the service are invited to enjoy the centre one final time. The day will include face painting, a bouncy castle, a barbecue and much more.

Jack Oatley added, “The fun day is open to everyone including old and new members. The day will include all the event favourites for all different ages like bucking bronco, face painting and a bouncy castle. There will also be hot food, like burgers and hot dogs on sale and also soft drinks.

“We know that so many Melksham residents have attended the youth centre since it was built in the sixties, that’s why we came up with the idea of a  memory book, so why not come down and write your best memories of the centre in the book, and add any photos you have to spare too.”

The fun day is taking place at the centre in 56 Spa Road (SN12 7NY). If you have any enquires please contact Mark.Holden@ wiltshire.gov.uk or phone 01225 702355.