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Burnley youth club backed by Prince Charles could close
Leaders of the Fraser Street Project Amanda Chapman and Fran Monk with some of the children who use the centre who are trying to save the centre from closure.
TWO supermums behind a Burnley youth club that Prince Charles hailed “incredible” have made a desperate plea to save their centre.
Amanda Chapman and Fran Monk said savage Government cuts to funding could mean the Fraser Street Project is forced to close.
The popular centre, built up by the pair in the wake of Burnley’s 2001 riots, supports 600 youngsters, parents and disabled people from the community.
But, despite backing from the Prince of Wales and support from “Bank of Dave” founder David Fishwick, the youth club could be doomed. Fears are that the Fraser Street Project could shut by May if urgent financial backing is not found from businesses in Burnley.
Fighting back tears, Amanda said: “We have lost a lot of funding and it is looking like we might have to close.
“We are really struggling. We have applied to charities for funding but nobody has got any money because of the cuts across the country. We are looking at £35,000 just to keep the building open and staffing costs. We have helped hundreds of kids over the years and it will have a devastating effect on the community if we shut.”
Prince Charles visited the Fraser Street Project in 2010 and the centre was later transformed with a full make-over.
Amanda explained the centre provides free youth sessions for hundreds of youngsters from aged one to 19 with games and activities. It provides volunteering opportunities and works on preparing primary school pupils for their next step in education.
Young mums and families are given support at Fraser Street, teenagers have clinched work experienced and employment and day trips are provided for needy families.
Amanda said: “Prince Charles couldn’t believe the work we do here. David Fishwick was blown away by it. He couldn’t believe we put money into it out of our own pockets to start it up and buy extra loaves of bread to feed kids that are starving.
“It has made such a massive positive impact on the community here. If it was forced to close I think anti-social behaviour would increase, depression would kick back in and people’s aspirations and self-esteem would fall.”
Amanda is hoping kind-hearted local companies could help support the work at the Fraser Street Project as part of their corporate responsibility efforts.
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Weather for Burnley
Wednesday 22 May 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 3 C to 13 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 4 C to 9 C
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