Decision to close Ballyclare Youth Club '˜shocking'

A spokesperson for the youth club said: “We are very disappointed to inform you that Ballyclare Youth Club is no longer open. We have been informed that the school (Ballyclare Secondary) has decided not to hire a new youth tutor, which in turn means the club cannot reopen. It’s a sad day for all of us and for the young people of Ballyclare. We would like to thank you all sincerely for your continued support throughout.”

Cllr David Arthurs, who has a long association with the youth club said: “This is a big blow for Ballyclare and there could potentially be job losses for the staff at the centre. There are already limited facilities for the young people of the area - it is a shocking decision.”

The Times contacted the Education Authority and Ballyclare Secondary School about the issue. Neither had responded at the time of publication.