A COMMUNITY is rallying to save a youth club after it was forced to close down when Essex County Council cut its funding.
The New Images club in Waltham Abbey was part of the Waltham Abbey Youth 2000 (WAY 2000) club.
It provided activities ranging from billiards to art classes as well as counselling and support services for teenagers in the area.
In May, Essex County Council cut its funding to the club, leaving them unable to provide youth workers for New Images and forcing it to close down.
However, since then the response from the community has been overwhelming, with businesses, organisations and individuals pitching in to raise the extra £16,000 a year the club needs to stay re-open.
Waltham Abbey Town Council, Townsmead Sport and Social Club and Epping Forest District Council have all contributed significant donations to the club and on September 24 a fun run will be held in Lee Valley Park to raise further funds.
There will also be a donation from the Great British Cucumber Festival in Abbey Gardens on September 17.
Elaine Fletcher is the charity’s trustee and is leading the fundraising campaign.
She said: “It was very much a shock and disappointment when we found out about the cuts. But one door closes and another one opens and we decided that we were going to do everything we could to bring in the extra funding.
“As soon as they found out people were coming and asking whether there was anything they could do to help. It just demonstrated the value the community placed on the work we are doing.”
“We provide facilities so young people have somewhere to congregate. It is a place where they can discuss issues that affect their lives and we are distinct from their school so can provide a different slant to it.
“It stops them having to hang around on street corners and helps them stay out of trouble." The WAY2000 5km family fun run will be held on Sunday, September 25 from 10am at the Gunpowder Park in Waltham Abbey. It costs £5 to enter or £3 for those under 12.
For more information contact Elaine Fletcher on elainefletcherway2000@googlemail.com
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here