YOUTH provision could return to Lapford, Steve Keable, chairman, Lapford Youth Club management committee, assures, writing in the July issue of the "Lapford Lookout" magazine.

He writes on behalf of the management committee: "In the winter storms of a couple of years ago the Youth Club in Popes Lane was forced to close for safety reasons.

"The costs of reinstatement and renovation just being too great, the Youth Club Management Committee has worked with Lapford Parish Council, as custodian trustee, to work upon a plan for the disposal of the site and to safeguard the proceeds of sale for the benefit of Lapford’s young people and the community.

"To achieve maximum financial benefit Planning Permission has now been secured from Mid Devon District Council for the conversion of the Victorian stone former school building into a residential dwelling and to build an additional house on the land to the side. The next stage is to market the site.

"So there is no misunderstanding as to how these funds may be used, the Lapford Youth Club Management Committee have identified clear criteria for their use:

"The Lapford Youth Club Management Committee is committed to the principle that the capital asset from the sale of the Youth Club site in Popes Lane must benefit young people and the community The Management Committee wishes to see:

1. A re-investment in facilities and services meaningful to modern young people.?2. New facilities should essentially be:?a) Places or spaces where young people can freely ‘associate’ and ‘socialise’ and where they can recognise they have a significant purpose and role.

b) These places and spaces should/could include a ‘café’ environment, a place for fun, enjoyment and activity ‘indoors’ and ‘outdoors’ where young people can be physical and follow pursuits.

c) Arts area with sinks and cleanable surfaces and areas for displays.?d) Suitable storage for dedicated equipment such as table tennis or sports or arts equipment.

e) A place of permanence.?3. New Facilities should have desirable features:?a) hard-play area for ball games or roller activities.?b) a place of curiosity and interest.?"This is a formal statement to assure people of the Lapford community of the certainty and commitment of how these funds will be used."

Alan Quick