THE fate of a “vital” youth service has been discussed at a meeting with the council that announced a £56,000 funding cut earlier this year.
Representatives appealed to Hampshire County Council to reconsider withdrawing funding for The Junction yesterday.
Centre manager Paula Philp, care and support director of Alabaré Janet Herring and service user Alex Leigh were given the opportunity to speak during the council’s full meeting.
Hampshire County Council representative for Andover North, councillor Tim Rolt, met with leader of the council, councillor Roy Perry, executive lead member for Children’s Services and deputy leader, councillor Keith Mans, and director of Children’s Services, Steve Crocker, to set up the opportunity.
Councillor Rolt said he has been in support of The Junction and does not believe the council truly understands what they refused or appreciate what the service does for the community.
Test Valley Borough Council representative for St Mary’s ward councillor Iris Andersen was also due to attend the meeting.
She has supported the youth drop-in facility in a number of ways including a picketing event and a walk through the town on Saturday to raise awareness of its plight.
Councillor Andersen said: “It made people aware of what was going on, they all stopped and listened.
“They’d all heard about it in the paper and in the news – they wanted to know a bit more.
“They said it’d a shame if this closes down for the young people in Andover.
“I enjoyed it, it went well, people were coming up to us and asking questions and then we followed on to The Junction.
“People in the walk looked like they were enjoying themselves, it’s really good.”
Organiser Leia Thomas said: “This service must be protected. “Together as a community we may be able to achieve this.”
Over the two previous Saturdays, January 28 and February 4, users of the service petitioned in the town centre.
Alex Leigh, Charles Swatton and Daniel Hooks organised the events and have collected more than 1,000 signatures by hand.
Andover town councillor for Winton ward, councillor Richard Rowles, advised the service users on how to organise the events.
He said: “The important thing is the young people that have used The Junction are going round getting signatures.
“It’s important the whole town gets behind to support The Junction. “It has made such a difference.
“I think the decision to close it is a mindless decision by the people not on the frontline.
“For me I think the best thing thing is that the people who’ve used The Junction are trying to save it.”
A number of other councillors, residents and MP for North West Hampshire, Kit Malthouse have lent their support to the cause.
Chairman of Andover Town Council, councillor Katherine Bird, and campaigner Connor Philp have each set up an online fundraising page.
An online petition has also been set up by Andover Community Action Group, which now has 1,165 signatures as we went to press.
Hilary Briley, youth support worker at The Junction, said: “I think its brilliant that young people want to be heard and feel empowered to do so.
“I think we should be investing in them because they are our future.”
Timeline of the fight to save The Junction:
The Junction faces closure after £56,000 funding cut
Petition to save The Junction has more than 500 signatures in five days
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