A council-owned outdoor education centre could close to save cash.
Caerphilly County Borough Council is proposing to close Ynys Hywel in Cwmfelinfach, which could save up to £100,000 and generate £300,000 if sold.
Council officers have recommended selling the centre after failing to come up with a way for the centre – which has room for 50 overnight guests – to pay for itself. It was occupied on only 106 nights during 2009/10.
Ynys Hywel opened in 2003 and hosts activities such as orienteering, outdoor crafts, camping and cycling.
If closed, the centre’s housekeeper and catering staff will be moved to other council jobs, but one of two administration workers will be made redundant.
The council’s Education for Life Scrutiny Committee are due to discuss the plans tonight before a final decision by the cabinet.
Maybe if the council advertised they would get more visitors. I just googled 'outdoor education centres in South Wales'. Gave up after 4 pages of results – no mention on Ynys Hwyel.
Ynys hywel is an amazing place. it is an insperation for young people who have no other way to express themselves. and also for anyone who uses the centre it is a great source of learning and fun. it is a fantastic resource for the Council to use for training, outdoor activities etc. to see it close would be a true shame.
Some points to consider:
"…It was occupied on only 106 nights during 2009/10…" – Groups staying for 5 days will only stay for 4 nights, so maximum week time occupancy will only be 200 nights.
"…It was occupied on only 106 nights during 2009/10…" – does that include out of county occupancy or only CCBC groups?
"…generate £300,000 if sold." – Only £300k for the buildings and land??? Compared to a flat in Cardiff Bay, seems the bargain of a lifetime. Will it go for open sale? I doubt it!
"…could save up to £100,000…" – with only one redundancy, that suggests that centre rates and electricity are over £80k per year?
Or maybe our beloved council are being a little economical with the truth and the closure is a done deal" to keep someone sweet…
Looks like its a done deal then – the centre is being sold. What a waste of a superb facility which has brought so much pleasure and a wide range of experiences to all sorts of groups. I agree with local-lad about the marketing of the centre, it has not been advertised widely and many friends who may have taken groups there from other CBCs had never heard of it before I told them. I also know of people who have had bookings cancelled for 2012 because of the closure – doesn't sound like a struggling centre to me! Shame on Caerphilly CBC and its councillors for agreeing to this.