October 2023

20
Wanstead Village Directory
CENTRE of ATTENTION
Liz Martins from the Save Our Wanstead Youth Centre campaign group
welcomes the council’s new plans for the venue’s future, but explains
why their work is far from over
Redbridge Council’s undertaking not
to demolish Wanstead Youth Centre
for housing and retain it as publicly
owned property was welcomed by all
last month. However, Save Our Wanstead
Youth Centre campaigners requested more
information, particularly the full business
case and details of how the decision to
create an education hub and youth centre
complies with the council’s statutory duties
to provide youth services.
We also asked if the consultation is to be
meaningful this time round. The council
should comply with its legal and moral
obligations to consult when proposals are in
their formative stage, with a view to reaching
agreement.
At the council meeting, the cabinet shockingly
confirmed the centre would close from
15 October with no commitment on when it
will reopen. Closing without a firm, or even
tentative, start date for building works not
only deprives the community of the services
and facilities but leaves the site open to
vandalism, while the council also loses out on
vital income.
Most of the people who spoke at the meeting,
including four young people (Beth, Charis,
Lily and Zak), asked the council to keep the
centre open while plans are firmed up and
a community forum and partnerships are
established, as per their standing orders. The
intent is “to bring the council closer to the
local community.” Regrettably, these pleas fell
on deaf ears, contrary to the council leader’s
undertakings.
We believe the closure will be premature, as it
will take months, if not over a year, to develop
plans, secure funding and complete the works.
We have asked to meet with the council leader
to discuss options for interim arrangements
and counter proposals.
Other speakers challenged the performance
of Vision’s management of the youth centre,
particularly from a financial perspective
over at least the past five years. Our own
calculations show the venue could have
been generating three to four times as much
income as Vision has achieved. No financial
breakdowns were provided in the council’s
report to substantiate the alleged income
and expenditure levels now being quoted,
making it impossible to submit counter
proposals. Very importantly, no evidence has
been provided to substantiate the council’s
statement that the centre is not financially
viable. We therefore requested that the
council scrutinise Vision’s management.
We hope the leader’s assurances that “we owe
it to you to get a centre up and running as
soon as possible” prove to be accurate.
Wanstead Youth Centre is located at
144 Elmcroft Avenue, Wanstead, E11 2DB.
For more information on the Save Our
Wanstead Youth Centre campaign, visit
wnstd.com/sowyc or call 07403 649 306
To advertise, call 020 8819 6645 or visit wnstd.com