MP raises threat to Dudley youth centre in Parliament

Sonia Kumar, Labour MP for Dudley, raised concerns about the future of the Meadow Road Youth Centre on the Wrens Nest Estate with justice minister Sir Nicholas Dakin during a debate in the Commons this week.

She warned that the centre faced an uncertain future following a recent cut in funding from Dudley Council, and asked for assurances that the authority would get its fair share of funding to keep the centre open.

"Last week I visited Meadow Road Youth Centre to see the fantastic work that Lloyd and other youth workers are doing to provide an outlet for young people," she told the Commons.

"However, it could be closed down due to funding uncertainty. Does the Minister agree that sporting centres such as that reduce youth offending and are hubs for rehabilitation? Will my hon. Friend commit to Dudley getting its fair share of funding and to keeping the centre open?"

Sir Nicholas replied: "Centres such as the one that my honourable friend describes in her constituency do excellent work and help to reduce youth offending."

He said he would look into the funding situation if she wrote to him.