Ross Baptist Church has agreed a deal to purchase Ross Youth Centre from Herefordshire Council which will secure the facilities for the community.

The sale has been agreed this week with assurances that the youth services currently provided there can continue – effectively securing the building for future community use.

The purchase is being funded entirely by the church from its existing capital assets and the building will be held in trust to ensure continued community use. The premises are to be managed by Ross Baptist Church in consultation with a group of regular centre users.

Melvin Reynolds, who led the Ross Baptist Church team responsible for co-ordinating the purchase, paid tribute to the goodwill and encouragement received during the protracted discussions.

Melvin said: "This has not been without its challenges, and without the good-natured co-operation of everyone involved it would not have happened.

"Although purchasing the Y-Zone is a big step for us it will enable existing users, and we hope new ones, to use these centrally located Y-Zone facilities for the benefit of the Ross area. It opens up opportunities for strengthening the community in difficult economic times."

Under the new arrangement the Youth Centre will be available for hire by individuals or groups delivering a community benefit and will be operated on a not for profit basis, with hire fees based on those currently charged by the council.

The church says that it hopes to extend the use of the Y-Zone and establish a 'job club' to address the needs of those looking for employment.

For the full story please see this week's Ross Gazette.