Clwyd West MS Darren Millar, who last year launched a petition to save Abergele Youth and Community Centre after Conwy County Council took the decision to close the facility without consulting with the public or those who use it, has welcomed news that its future has been safeguarded.  

The business case recently submitted by the Abergele Conservation Trust for the taking over of the property has been reviewed by Conwy County Borough Council's cabinet and the following decision was agreed:

“That a lease be granted to the Abergele Conservation Trust at nil rent, on terms and conditions as agreed by the County Valuer and Asset Manager, on the condition that they enter into that lease within 12 months, having secured the grant funding to deliver the first stage of the refurbishment, as per the short term plan in the report.”

Welcoming the outcome, Darren said:

“This is good news and will hopefully secure the future of the building for many years to come.

“The facility is much loved and has been well used in the town for many years, so understandably the groups who meet there were outraged by Conwy County Council’s decision to close it, particularly given that they were not consulted.

“On hearing the news, I launched a petition which gathered much support, demonstrating the strength of feeling.  

“The centre is an integral part of the local community, and its closure would have been a great loss and could have force groups to close down, impacting on people’s mental health.

“I therefore very much welcome the steps that have been taken since last year’s decision to secure its future. I look forward to seeing the refurbishment of the building and to seeing it being well-used once again by the local community for, hopefully, many more years to come.”