THE future of a children's club has been secured for the time being following a joint statement from the council and the owner.
Last month the Advertiser reported that Ashtead Kidsclub was told to vacate Ashtead Youth Centre, which is owned by Surrey County Council (SCC), by December 31. But SCC and the club have issued a statement to allay the fears of the 200 families who use it.
They wrote: "We want to reassure the community that the provision of Ashtead Kidsclub will continue at Ashtead Youth Centre until suitable alternative premises are found.
"In December 2011, Surrey County Council agreed a policy to maximise the use of its youth centres by young people in line with the council's legal duties.
"Additionally the Government has recently changed the law, requiring young people to participate in education and training up to age 18. This means that the council needs the space at Ashtead Youth Centre to support, educate and train young people who are not in education, employment or training."
The statement added: "Ashtead Kids Club will continue to operate at the youth centre until a suitable new location has been found."
The statement was signed by SCC assistant director for young people Garath Symonds, Ashtead county councillor Chris Townsend and Kidsclub founder Louise Di Trana.
Mrs Di Trana praised Mr Townsend, saying: "He has been instrumental in negotiating and I want to thank him."
