Shrewsbury students fight to save Sundorne Youth Club

Sundorne Youth Club members were recently delivered the devastating news that their club was earmarked for closure – along with other clubs across the town – and have set up an online petition to fight the plans.

Pupil at Sundorne School and Sports College, Ellie Milner, is helping to spearhead the campaign to save the youth club, along with friends Shania Jones and Shelby Herbert.

“We are extremely upset about the news that the council is looking to close our club – we feel so strongly about this because it is a very important part of our community,” said 14-year-old Ellie.

“It is something we really look forward to each week and very importantly it helps to keep youngsters out of trouble because it gives them something to do.

“The youth club is also a place where we can get good advice from people we trust. The closure will have a huge effect on the teenagers who attend the sessions.

“We have launched a petition to try to persuade the council not to close our club and have made banners and posters to protest against the plans.

“We also attended a question and answer evening held at the council offices but came away with the impression that people were not really bothered about our club.”

Head teacher at Sundorne School and Sports College, Alex Raeside, said that the school fully supported the campaign by the students to keep the club open.

“This whole campaign has been initiated by and led by our children,” said Mr Raeside.

“As a school we are proud of the children showing that they believe in the school’s commitment to its community.

“We believe the closure would be extremely detrimental to those who use the club and the community in general.

“The club is a huge support to children, not only for those who just want to enjoy themselves, but also those that need to improve their confidence and relationships with others.

“I believe the youth club has played a key role in ensuring that anti-social behaviour in the Sundorne community is rare, and taking it away could jeopardise the respectful community we live in.

“Sundorne School and Sports College has a real sense of community which is backed up by the youth club – we really do not want to lose that ethos.”

Those signing up for the petition have posted comments including: “It benefits young teenagers in a safe environment with caring people who are willing to spend their time doing different activities with the kids.

Another said: “Without the youth club I wouldn’t have turned out the way I did – it helped me make friends and start the career I am in now.”