A youth club based in Epsom is celebrating following the news that the council has agreed to fund its new premises.
The Epsom Phab, which boosts Paralympic Gold medallists David Weir as one of its former members, has used the Linton's Lane Youth centre for the past 30 years and provides activities for disabled and able-bodied members.
Last year Surrey County Council decided to sell its lease hold on the property, claiming that it was to expensive to run.
The council said that a new venue would be found that would be cheaper to run but despite the date of the sale being extended to December 2013 members of the youth club became sceptical and worried that the youth club would have to close.
However the council has announced that it will develop a new Multi User Games Area (MUGA) at Nescot on the Reigate Road, which can be used by the Epsom Phab.
Julia Giles, who has been campaigning for the Epsom Phab, welcomed the news.
'We are very relieved at having finally found a new home and excited about the opportunities that we will have when we move to Nescot. Each evening we have around 80 young people attending and the new facilities will allow us to continue with a range of activities such as sports, crafts and dance.'
'We still need to find funding for a further two outside areas – the equivalent size of two tennis courts. Surrey County Council are funding one outside area and have agreed to help us find the funding for the remaining two areas.'
'This is really important as it gives all the youngsters, both disabled and non disabled, the chance to participate in a wide range of sports such as basketball, football and tennis.'
Kay Hammond, a Surrey County Council cabinet member with responsibilities for youth activities said 'Surrey County Council, Phab and NESCOT have all put in a lot of hard work, including the securing of a grant of £1.3million for NESCOT to develop education and training opportunities for young people with learning disabilities and difficulties.'
'We are contributing further funds for alterations to make sure the facilities match as closely as possible the needs of Phab's young members.'
