‘Hope and relief’ as seaside town’s last youth centre saved

The Guardian - World NewsEN 2 min read 100% complete by Lisa BachelorFebruary 5, 2026 at 12:00 PM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

Pie Factory Music, a charity, has successfully purchased the Ramsgate youth centre in Kent, England, after campaigning to prevent its sale by the Kent county council. The centre, the last of its kind in the deprived coastal town, provides vital services to young people, including counseling, employment advice, and creative projects. The purchase was made possible in part by a £535,000 grant from Labour’s Pride in Place strategy. The charity's chief executive expressed relief and hope, while also emphasizing the need for greater statutory protections and investment in youth services to prevent similar situations in the future, citing a significant decline in youth service funding nationwide. The campaign began in September 2024 after the council announced plans to auction the centre.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Wales 30% YMCA 40% Youth Matters 50% Labour Party (UK) ×260% United Kingdom 60% Kent 60% Pride in Place ×270% Kent County Council 70% Zoë Carassik ×270% Ramsgate ×480% Pie Factory Music ×390%

Keywords

youth centre 100% youth services 90% charity 80% funding decline 70% ramsgate 60% deprived communities 60% pride in place 50% pie factory music 50% statutory protections 40%