Ergin Erbil says council is “not planning to close” Croyland and Alan Pullinger youth centres amid speculation online

Alan Pullinger Youth Centre in Southgate

The leader of Enfield Council has issued a statement to quell fears over the future of two borough youth centres.

Ergin Erbil said the council was “not planning to close any of our youth centres” in response to speculation online relating to Croyland Youth Centre in Edmonton and Alan Pullinger Youth Centre in Southgate, including a petition launched by Conservative councillors to “Save Edmonton Croyland Youth Club”.

It followed a questionnaire sent out by the council earlier this month inviting children, young people and parents and carers to give their views on the two youth centres and the services being run from them.

The language used in the questionnaire caused concern after it included an option to “stop hosting activities” at the two youth sites, but the council now says it has been reissued “to clarify that Croyland and Alan Pullinger youth centres will continue to be used for youth and community work”.

Cllr Erbil said: “Supporting our young people to grow and succeed in the borough is an absolute priority for me and our Council.

“We are not planning to close any of our youth centres. We are looking at how we can provide better youth services in the borough.

“Discussions are currently taking place with local voluntary, community, and youth groups about how they can provide great services for our young people in our Croyland and Allan Pullinger youth centres.

“We want to do more work with voluntary and community groups in all our youth centres to support our young people.”

He added: “Thank you to those people who have already taken part in the youth consultation. Your views are valuable in helping to shape our youth services to meet your needs.”

Update (31st March):

The relaunched ‘modernising youth services’ consultation runs until 17th May and is open to all young people aged 11-19 and up to the age of 25 if they have special needs, plus parents and carers of children/young people that live, study or attending training in the borough:
Visit enfield.gov.uk/consultations/modernising-youth-services

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