EFFORTS to ensure a viable future for a popular village youth club were outlined to members of Oxenhope Parish Council at their latest meeting.

Cllr Derrick Hopkinson reported back on a meeting he attended with members of Oxenhope Youth Club’s management team.

“A new management group has been formed with a new chairman and treasurer,” he said.

“They are very positive about keeping the momentum going at the club.

“At the moment they are getting between 25 and 30 young people attending every Friday.

“Bradford Council’s Youth Service is looking at our model – where the youth club is partly funded by the parish council – with a view to adopting this approach for other clubs in the district.

“There is another meeting planned to look at possible fundraising activities for Oxenhope’s club, and to see how it can apply for grants for particular projects.”

John Scott, a youth club volunteer who was also attending the parish council meeting, said: “Over the last two years we’ve had a real boost in demand for the club, and we’re getting large numbers turning up each week.

“We know that in order to put on the amount of outings and other activities that we’d like, we do need some extra funding.”

Cllr David Ashcroft praised the work that the club has done.

He said he would be prepared to represent the parish council at club management meetings, though noted that his work commitments may mean it won’t always be possible for him to attend.

Cllr Penny Cusdin declared an interest in the youth club so did not take part in the discussion.