Ludlow Youth Centre was put out of action by an out-of-control HGV on 28 April 2025. Services were decanted elsewhere in the town, including to Helena Lane. Since then, it has been a struggle to get the centre back open.
The good news is that it is anticipated Ludlow Youth Centre will reopen in July and be handed back to the Ludlow and Area Partnership (LACP) for community support and youth services. Erica Garner of LCAP said:
Ludlow and Area Partnership are delighted that we will be returning to the Youth Centre in the summer. We will work closely with Shropshire Council to develop the centre into vibrant Community and Family hub. The centre will provide a wide range of services and support including a support group for families with children with Autism/ADHD, bereavement support, drop-in sessions for Mental Health, a Women’s Health hub and much more.
The welcome news of reopening comes after I raised the matter in a question to Shropshire Council’s cabinet last week. I do think the youth centre could have been brought back into use more quickly by sealing off the damaged area but that was blocked by council officers.
Question to cabinet
Question
An out of control HGV ran into Ludlow Youth Centre on 28 April 2025. Since then, there has been no progress on bringing the building back into use.
- When is expected that repairs on the youth centre and family hub will begin and when is it expected to reopen?
- What has caused the delay?
- How much extra is it costing Shropshire Council to host activities once at the youth centre in alternative facilities such as Helena Lane?
Response from Councillor Andy Hall, Portfolio Holder for Children & Education
- Currently projecting the works to be complete and handed over in July.
- The process of agreement with the insurance company and loss adjustor is still ongoing with details being commercially sensitive as it involves a claim against a third party.
- My understanding it has saved money to deliver services from Helena Lane.
