Community groups are encouraged to make use of new hub after successful campaign to re-open doors

Community efforts have transformed Ottery’s once-threatened youth centre into a thriving hub that has now secured charitable status.

Young people in the town faced losing The Station in Exeter Road altogether this time last year when the facility was hit by county council budget cuts and forced to close.

A campaign spearheaded by the Reverend Mac Dick, supported by town council funds, saw the venue reopen its doors in time for Christmas - and now trustees hope this ‘exciting new development’ will help raise its profile further.

Mr Dick said: “We have just recently installed cinematic projection equipment, complete with 120-inch screen and surround sound, so students from The King’s School are starting a cinema club in the next few weeks.

“We are really pleased with the variety of organisations that are using The Station. The youth club side is important, but we want to see it fully utilised.

“The charitable status will really help us publicise it and get the message out that we are open for business.”

Trustee Sandra Chapman said: “The trustees are delighted that it has been granted charitable status by the Charity Commission.

“We are hopeful that this exciting development will assist considerably in not only in raising funds, but also in raising the profile of this new community hub.”

Plans for reopening the building relied on widening its use to benefit a whole cross-section of the community and that vision has now become a reality, with a host of groups and classes now using the premises on a regular basis.

Ottery Silver Band now holds rehearsals at the venue. First cornet player Amy Chapman said: “The band members are really enjoying practising at The Station. We particularly like the on-site parking as transporting instruments to and from rehearsals can be heavy work.”

Although it has come a long way in a year, trustees say they are looking forward to a time when The Station is being fully used for the benefit of the town and surrounding areas.

They would be ‘delighted’ to hear from any other local organisations or groups.

Anyone who is interested can call 01404 813041 for more information or email info.otterystation@gmail.com.