“Criminal decision”: Youth centre could be flattened for houses

A councillor has described the potential loss of Risca Youth Centre as “criminal”, as council homes could be built on the site.

Risca Youth Centre, on Brookland Road, was identified as a possible site to build council homes last year, but independent councillor for Risca West, Bob Owen, has argued doing so would be a “criminal decision”.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer he said: “At the moment I believe the council have the option to keep the centre there at the cost of less houses, but I know if we don’t fight this then they’ll pull it down.

“I understand the need for council houses, but this building is in superb condition with a new boiler and air conditioning fitted this year. It’s also widely used across the community.”

The possible demolition is part of the council’s proposal to build around 100 new council homes in Rhymney, Risca, Trethomas, and Bargoed – to meet the “ever-increasing” housing need.

Cllr Owen continued: “Another problem is the centre is about to lose funding due to the youth club leaving, which is unrelated to the closure, but still pushes the cost onto someone else.

“We’re exploring options and I’m speaking to locals about turning it into a community centre with the help of Community Volunteers Wales. There is funding available if that was the case, so I’m hoping the council take notice.”

Cllr Owen also added that Risca has been identified as a ‘wellbeing’ town by the NHS, and that removing places where people can meet is bad for mental health.

“We have a couple of arts and crafts clubs as well as a bowling club here who have all been given a months notice”, said Cllr Owen. “I’m asking the council to extend this because they have nowhere else to go”, he added.

There has also been concern expressed over parking according to the independent councillor, who claims the roads are already “bumper to bumper”.

Cllr Owen continued: “This place lends itself to more than it would if you replaced it with housing. It would be a big loss to the community.”

Caerphilly County Borough Council has been contacted for comment.