The proposed location for the new Youth Zone at the former Ely Legion site is a matter of great concern for me and many in our community. While we fully support the initiative to enhance youth services and acknowledge the benefits a Youth Zone can bring, it is essential that it truly serves our community's needs. Regrettably, the current site does not put the facility at the heart of Ely, diminishing its potential impact on those it is meant to engage and support.

There has been a troubling lack of meaningful engagement with local residents concerning this decision. Our voices, as stakeholders in Ely and surrounding areas, have been overlooked. Matters such as accessibility remain unresolved, creating legitimate apprehensions about the impact on traffic, safety, and the actual community benefit in the long run. Locating this essential service in a place conducive to open access for all youth should be a priority.

Numerous stakeholders, including community groups and parents, believe the current site selection overlooks central community needs. An alternate location more centrally located in Ely would ensure it is easily accessible to all, reducing traffic concerns and offering a safer environment for young people.

We have always championed the investment in our youth and believe in creating spaces that genuinely work for their benefit. However, these spaces need to be accessible and safe, and should actively involve community input. The potential benefits of the Youth Zone can only be maximized when these factors are properly considered.

We urge the decision-makers to reconsider this site's suitability and engage with the community to find an appropriate, centrally located alternative. Let us work together to enhance the lives of young people in Ely without compromising their safety and accessibility.

Please sign this petition to have your voice heard and to encourage a better decision for our community's future.