Wrangle leaves youth centre future in limbo

THE future of Gracemount Youth and Community Centre is still in the balance following a three-year wrangle with the city council.

A damning report in 2008 revealed that the number of events provided for youngsters at the centre – known locally as The Mansion – had plummeted, the centre was rarely open, phone calls and e-mails were ignored and excursions were cancelled at the last minute.

Meanwhile, the centre manager was found to have been permanently living in The Mansion with his family.

Following the report, the city council took control of the centre to put it back on track, but centre staff say they have yet to reach a resolution.

Elaine Wastle, chair of the Mansion Management Committee, said: "In the meantime, we have struggled to maintain a programme of activities for the young people in the area. We would be very happy to have any information at all from the convener of Children and Families. So far we have heard nothing."

Following inquiries by the council's Labour group, education leader Marilyne MacLaren remained tight-lipped.

She said: "When I have perused the documents and discussed them with officials, I will pass them to the management committee."