Gay youth group in fight to save centre

FRIENDS who launched a club for gay teenagers are fighting the threat of closure to Whitstable Youth Centre.

Charlotte Davenport and Harry Jones, both 15, are furious the Harbour Street centre could be shut in Kent County Council's latest cost-cutting drive.

They started a Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual and Transgender group there in April with support from leader Paul Southgate, after a similar club at Canterbury's Riverside youth centre folded.

But now the group may shut if the youth centre is closed.

Charlotte, who believes the closure contravenes children's rights to freedom of expression, said: "We are outraged.

"Our group meets every two weeks and is going from strength to strength.

"If these cutbacks happen the council will be complaining about the rise of the antisocial behaviour on the streets."

Harry, from Faversham, said there were other important groups at the club, including one for disabled youngsters.

Charlotte and Harry are planning a town centre march and also want people to sign the e-petition on the KCC website.

KCC spokesman Kate Nowowieck said: "The consultation on proposals started on August 1 and there have been no decisions made about any youth centres. The cabinet's decision was simply that proposals could go out for consultation.

"No final decisions will be made until the end of the year."

See letters page 21