Youth centre closure concern

The centre, which was formerly the primary school in Derriaghy, was closed suddenly several weeks ago.

The building had been refurbished to facilitate youth and community provision in the area in 2012.

Concerned parent Andrena Brady, Vice Chair Derriaghy Community Association, says the unexpected closure of the service is a “huge loss for the area”.

“My three wee ones go twice a week and the bigger one goes too. It gets the kids of the streets and has been great for the area,” explained Andrena.

“We got a phonecall to say the youth club wasn’t on and then the next day it was boarded up,”

Local MLA Jonathan Craig said he is disappointed at the news and will be calling on t he Youth Board to “re-think this” and find a solution to deliver services in the area.

Mr Craig said the issue is “causing much annoyance”.

He continued: “The council has been in negotiations to take over part of it for the communoity group to use but the Council can’t afford to do this on its own and it won’t be viable if not done jointly with the Board.

The provision of the facility and the activities which it offered were hoped to reduce anti-social behaviour in the area.

A spokesperson for the SEELB said: “The SEELB is currently reviewing Youth Services provision within the Dunmurry area.

“During this review the Youth Centre at Derriaghy will be closed, with Youth Services continued to be provided in the wider area.

“Detail of these services can be obtained from the Lisburn Youth Office. This review will include a wide range of stakeholders including parents, young people and Lisburn City Council.

“On completion of the review the SEELB will contact the relevant stakeholders regarding the outcome.”

The initiative was the result of positive partnership working between the local Derriaghy Community Association, Lisburn City Council and SEELB Youth Services and provided a much needed space and focus for local community activities.

The Centre comprised:Community Office space and Meeting/Activity Room, Youth Activity Rooms, Training Suite and Hall for Youth and Community Events.