Conservative-run Kingston Council have voted to close 50% of the borough’s Youth Centres. 

Following the Council decision, the doors will now finally close for Barnfield, Devon Way and Searchlight Youth Centres to save £95,000 a year.

Councillor Margaret Thompson, Liberal Democrat Opposition Spokesperson for Young People said:

“Youth Centres should be protected and it is particularly sad to see the Conservatives reject the opinions of young people who wanted to keep their Youth Centres open.

There was an excellent campaign run by young people from Searchlight Youth Centre in Norbiton but, sadly, their request to Kingston Council to keep Searchlight open fell on old deaf ears.”