A purpose-built youth centre in a Powys market town that has been closed for years could be taken over by the town council.
Llanidloes Town Council has expressed its interest to Powys County Council for a community asset transfer for them to consider for the empty building.
If successful, the town council will need to produce a business plan which town clerk David Powell said "we are some way from anything tangible as yet".
Councillors were told this week that there had been “positive noises” from Powys County Council and that organisations were “keen to join us in terms of grants”.
OTHER NEWS:
- Pensioner facing rodent infestation after waiting two years for wheelie bin
- 'A true gentleman': Community mourns renowned Powys livestock auctioneer
- Plans for 53 new Powys homes have been rejected over safety concerns
“It’s a perfect project for a youth council I’ve made that point to Powys County Council, and they seem quite excited about that,” Mr Powell said.
A spokesperson for Powys County Council said: “We have been in discussions with Llanidloes Town Council over the future of the former youth centre building in the town. We have received an express of interest from the town council for the community asset transfer of this property, which the county council will now consider.”
Llanidloes Town Council had previously shared its frustrations that the purpose-built building, which is more than 50 years old, had been left empty after it had been a "highly busy and lively establishment".
Mayor Councillor Jamie Jones said it was a "matter of urgency" to ask Powys County Council to consider handing over control of the building to the town council. "It would be a real shame to lose it," he said.
Councillor Margot Jones said the former youth centre building was a "fabulous place" when she was in her teens.
"I think it is immoral," she said. "We have to hold our hands up to parents. When you’ve got it there ready made for youngsters then not open it to them is absolutely appalling.
"There are a lot of groups that would use that building. We need to do everything we can to bring building back for its purpose it was built for."
County councillor for Llanidloes Gareth Morgan said: "Our youth in this town deserve our support and need our support."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here