AN APPEAL has been launched for new volunteers too act as trustees to keep a valuable youth centre going.

Kingsteignton Youth Centre opened in 1969 and since 2001 has operated from its base in Broadway Road.

But now the current group of six trustees are hoping others will join and secure the centre’s future.

Trustee Sue Rollason said: ‘We need ideas on how we can keep the youth centre open in challenging times.’

The current trustees have been running the centre for the last 12 years and are keen to hand over responsibility.

Sue explained: ‘We know how important the youth centre is for both the youngsters and the community groups which use it.

‘For the young people, it has such an impact on their confidence.

‘No where else does what the youth club does, giving these youngsters the chance to be themselves, nurture them and give them somewhere they can go to enjoy themselves.

‘We, as trustees, work so hard to fund raise a keep it going and everyone who comes loves its.

‘But it is a struggle to get people to take on volunteer roles which are needed to keep it going.

‘We haven’t been able to find new trustees so far which is a reflection of the times, so many people don’t have the time to volunteer.’

A public meeting is being held on Friday April 24 at 6.30pm at Kingsteignton Community Centre in Rydon Road to discuss the youth centre’s future.

Sue said: ‘We need residents, councillors, local business people, sports clubs, schools, parents, grandparents, and of course our regular hirers to come along and share their ideas.

‘With your help we can save the centre for everyone to enjoy, whatever their age.’

The Broadway Road building is home to the youth club but is also available for other community groups to use.

The centre has a sports hall, recreation room with pool tables and disco, computer room with games consoles, meeting rooms, kitchen and seating area with tables and chairs.

Two youth club sessions are held every week during term-time for young people for ages eight to 11 on Thursdays and 11 two 17-year-olds on Fridays.

The centre is also home to the Asperations Group, a peer support group for parents and children aged five to 18 years and their siblings run by South Devon Aspergers Group.