Campaigners launch petition to save Mixenden Activity Centre

Organisers of the petition say the centre provides a safe, supportive and welcoming environment for adults and young people, and that there is no other comparable facility within West Yorkshire.

The Centre is run by instructors who deliver activities and support to vulnerable and disabled adults and young people.

Steve Regan, petition organiser, said: “I find it bewildering that in the same week when the Government was expressing its concerns for the long term physical and mental health, of the country’s young people, Calderdale Council was in the process of closing the centre.

“A double irony is Chief Executive Officer of Calderdale Council, Robin Tuddenham, attended a video conference for Sport England and endorsed their proposed five strand strategy for the next ten years. The strategy being; Recover and reinvent, Connecting communities, Positive experiences for children and young people, Connecting with health and wellbeing and Active environments which, in most parts, is what centre does or can deliver.

“I’ve started this petition because I have seen firsthand, over many years, the excellent work the centre does.

“I want to see future generations having the same opportunities and experiences.

“The centre has also turned around the life chances of many young people, where other institutions have struggled.

“Our goal is 2,000 signatures as that number will trigger a debate by the full Council. We are asking anyone who lives or works in Calderdale Council area, including under 18’s to sign.”

Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Services and Communities, Coun Jenny Lynn, said: “Calderdale Council, like other local authorities, is facing some of the biggest challenges in its history due to COVID-19, and the impact will be felt for years to come.

“The current situation means that it’s unsustainable for all services to return to pre-COVID levels of delivery. We’re having to make some difficult decisions to ensure that we can continue to protect key services and support the most vulnerable people in the borough.

“The role of councils in delivering youth work has changed nationally over the last 10 years. We have protected our Youth Services in Calderdale and have continued to offer a breadth of activity that has ceased in many areas in West Yorkshire and across the country. Our review of Youth Services last year confirmed the need for a new direction and vision.

“Due to financial pressures and reduced income, it is unfortunately no longer financially viable for the Council to continue running Mixenden Activity Centre. We are in discussions with local Ward Councillors about options for a positive future for the building, and they have arranged a public meeting for Tuesday 23 February.”