For the best part of two years now, the Blue has been without a Youth centre. 

As local residents, we have spoken with many of our neighbours who have voiced their concern that its closure has left young people in the area with nothing to do.  Groups of youths are congregating around the Blue and other public areas and don’t have anywhere to go or anything to do.

Given the concerning recent rise of crime in the area, we believe that it is more important than ever to have strong youth services in place for the young people of South Bermondsey.

Sick of being promised that this will be reopening, and yet to see any real progress; we have taken it upon ourselves to try and get real action on this issue.

We have met with a number of leaders from community organisations in the area, who have pledged experience, advice, time and volunteers;  with the combined aim of opening a new Youth centre in the vicinity of the Blue, ideally in a larger space and with better facilities than the previous site.

The council have halved youth funding, but we feel this is a false economy; as in the long-term funding here can help to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour; as well as help to give our kids the support they need at a critical point in their lives. We can't do this without their support too.

Please sign this petiton to put preasure on the council to prioritise this project and give us the support that is still needed to direct some of our council taxes into a project that we, as locals, really want.

Andrew Tipler, Kirsty Grove, Gareth Bell

-Liberal Democrat council candidates for South Bermondsey