A youth centre in Liverpool, which faced closure after its National Lottery funding ended, has been given a reprieve

The Gems centre in Croxteth- which was voted number one in the country by Community Matters UK in 2010 – has been saved after they came up with a rescue plan along with the Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson and local councillors.

Mayor Anderson has committed £30,000 to the centre and £12,000 will be contributed from the councillors’ Mayoral Neighbourhood fund to enable the centre to stay open for a further six months.

Mayor Anderson said:

“The Gems centre does invaluable work for young people in the area and it would be a massive blow if it was forced to close because its lottery money has ended. The funding we have provided will enable it to continue for another six months and provide a breathing space while, hopefully a long-term solution can be found.  We will continue to work with this much-loved centre and try to ensure that it carries on and flourishes.”

Jean Hannah, the club coordinator, said;

“Gems has been going since 1969 and is a really important community facility for the Croxteth and Norris Green area. We have about 70 young people using it every day. We are grateful for the funding we have received from the Mayor and councillors and from donations and support we have had from local people. We are determined to continue and will be doing our best to find the funding which will see Gems carry on for a long time to come.”