Calling all local Skateboarders. The Pioneer Club in St Albans is under threat of being taken over by Herts Council and losing its charity status - Please support and sign - http://tinyurl.com/2wbrbr3

The County council are saying that the future of the Pioneer isn't at threat:

The Pioneer Youth Centre in St Albans is owned by Hertfordshire County Council and is currently used by both Youth Connexions as a young people's centre and by the management committee for both young people and adults. From April next year, Youth Connexions Hertfordshire, which is part of Hertfordshire County Council, will take on full responsibility for all services at the Pioneer, including the skate park.

Richard Thake confirmed: "The skate park an excellent facility on offer at the Pioneer and we are going to make sure that all skaters can continue to enjoy it. We want young people, who are the focus of Youth Connexions' work, to be able to use the park safely, but will make sure that older users are included too. Rumours that use of the skate park is going to be restricted to 13-19 year olds are unfounded."

Showcasing live bands will also remain a priority at The Pioneer Youth Centre. Youth Connexions already provides regular Friday night live music events for 13 to 19 year-olds, and plans to start regular Saturday evening events. Youth Connexions also plans to help young people get more actively involved in the running of their centre, so a young members’ group will be set up for them to play an active part in planning events, activities and projects.

As well as setting up a young members’ group, with support from the senior youth worker, a Friends of Pioneer Youth Centre will be established to fundraise and promote the centre.