A TOWN’S youngsters could soon have their own dedicated centre, with moves under way to buy and convert a former church.

Residents can hear an update tonight (Wedneday, February 20) on the plans of community group Lydney Hub, which successfully obtained communiy asset status for the 150-year-old Methodist chapel in Springfield Road in December, meaning they are the preferred bidder when the building is sold.

And Lydney Town council has now pledged £25,000 towards the £200,000 fundraising effort, with the sale currently frozen until June to give the group time to raise the cash.

Lydney Hub grants officer Harry Ives said: “This is fantastic news. To earmark a contribution of this size is extremely generous and clearly demonstrates the council’s backing for this exciting project.

“Should we succeed in our efforts, young people can look forward to a dedicated building in town specifically for their needs.”

Hub colleague Emily Pettiford added: “Lydney Town Council have shown their backing by offering a formal letter of support and substantial investment, subject to a number of reasonable conditions, in order to help us purchase the building for community benefit, for which we are extremely grateful.”

A town council spokesperson said: “We are very proud to earmark £25,000 in support of local community group Lydney Hub, who since 2017 have worked tirelessly to improve opportunities for young people throughout Lydney.

“Whilst the group have organised various local events, their ultimate goal has always been to secure their own building; a dedicated premises from which they could run youth support services (eg, music sessions, craft sessions, skills workshops, etc) and set up a youth club.

“Recently Lydney Methodist Chapel came up for sale, and thanks to a ‘Community Right to Bid Order’ submitted by Lydney Town Council, the sale has been frozen for potentially six months, allowing Lydney Hub a valuable opportunity to raise funds for purchase,” they added.

“Following a request by Lydney Hub officers Harry Ives and Emily Pettiford, the town council agreed not only to write a letter of support in respect of any potential bid, but also to earmark £25,000 towards the fundraising effort.”

Potential sources of further funding have been identified, said the group, and any volunteers interested in helping are welcome to attend tonight’s meeting at 7.30pm at the Severn View Inn.

Worshippers finally brought the curtain down on a century and a half of worship at the Springfield Road church last July, before relocating their services to the Springs and Watermead Centre on South Road.

The decision to vacate the church, which was built as a chapel in 1869 for just £110, was taken because of rising bills and maintenance issues.

Methodist minister Rev Michelle Ireland said at the time of the move: “Although the relocating is tinged with sadness, as the much-loved and well-used chapel closes, there is also a great sense of anticipation and excitement as together we pursue this new opportunity of serving the Lydney community.”