Petition signed by more than 100 people opposing 'privatisation' of Dudley youth centre is presented to Parliament

The petition, organised by Dudley MP Sonia Kumar, asks the Government to halt the borough council's plans to seek a private partner to run the Sycamore Adventure Centre on its behalf.

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More than 100 people have signed the petition.

Miss Kumar said the centre was particularly important to youngsters with disabilities and special needs

The centre in Sycamore Green, on the Old Park Farm estate, appeared to be under threat of closure last year, but in April council leader Councillor Patrick Harley said the authority had found funding to keep it open for at least five years..

However, in the summer the council announced it was looking for a partner from the private sector to take over the day-to-day running of the centre, while ti still remained under council ownership.

Miss Kumar said that represented effective 'privatisation' of the centre, and raised the matter in the House of Commons last month, warning that the use of a private operator could lead to reduced services and increased fees.

On Wednesday evening Miss Kumar presented her petition to the deputy speaker of the House of Commons.

She said: "Despite the Conservative council pledging funding in a public question and answer session in April, the Sycamore Adventure Centre is due to be privatised, with a risk of a hike in entrance fees. The centre must remain solely controlled by Dudley council."

The petition declared that Sycamore Adventure Centre had served as a vital, safe and inclusive community space for children and young people in the area; and for decades had been 'more than just a play site'.

"It has fostered community cohesion, supported children’s physical and mental health, and given young people a place to explore, learn, and grow," Miss Kumar told the house. "The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to stop the privatisation of Sycamore Adventure Centre, guarantee that access to the centre remains open and free or affordable to all families, preserve the current number of play sessions and hours of operation, and work with local residents, staff, and young people to protect and enhance the centre as a valued community resource."

Councillor Harley said the council would retain ownership of the centre, and would require any partner to follow a similar model to the one already in place.

“This would give long term security to the centre while allowing the community partner to bring their own ideas to the table and direct the future of the much-loved site," he said.

“Being community led would also provide opportunities to apply for voluntary and third sector funding streams not available to the local authority, helping to assure the centre’s long-term future.” 

Councillor Wayne Little, cabinet member for children’s services, added: “Sycamore is a much loved and well-used centre with the community at its heart which is why we want it to be community led.

“We’ve taken it as far as we can, we think that a community partner with passion and vision could make it even better.”