Drop-in centre plans could be saved with change of venue

DISCUSSIONS are still ongoing about the creation of a drop-in centre in Ottery St Mary, despite the collapse of the project at Flexton

DISCUSSIONS are still ongoing about the creation of a drop-in centre in Ottery St Mary, despite the collapse of the project at Flexton.

At the council meeting earlier this month, it was revealed Feoffee Hall could be utilised as an alternative venue for the project. The building in Brook Street is seen as favourable, being described as a “sizeable building with its own kitchen and toilets” at the meeting.

After a last-minute bid, �3,000 was made available last year for the conversion of the Town Council toilets into a centre for youngsters to socialise in. Councillors voted narrowly in favour of the plans but, after receiving complaints about potential noise and antisocial behaviour, it was announced plans had been shelved.

Councillor Roger Giles said: “There is a lack of facilities for youths in Ottery and, although the Flexton project is dead, I hope we can resurrect it elsewhere.

I was disappointed it was rejected, as the facility would be supervised at all times and aims to stop antisocial behaviour not facilitate it.”

Councillor Tony Abbott said members of the body that runs Feoffee Hall were “quite enthusiastic” about allowing young people to go there providing they were supervised.

Mayor Glyn Dobson said using the hall would cost the council around �600 a year if members approved the move.

Cllr Giles is worried that funding will not be available as it was for Flexton.

He said: “Devon County Council is facing huge cuts, including in the area of services for young people.”