The West Gorton Youth Club in the past  has been a cornerstone of our community for years, serving as a safe haven and nurturing ground for our young people. It is disheartening to learn about the proposal to convert this essential facility into accommodation for the homeless. While addressing homelessness is a vital concern, doing so at the expense of our youth is not the answer.

Youth clubs like the one in West Gorton provide children and teenagers with a place to go after school, keeping them off the streets and engaged in positive activities. These clubs play an invaluable role in the healthy development of young people by offering them opportunities to learn new skills, build relationships, and gain confidence. Closing down this facility would deprive our community’s youth of these life-enhancing experiences.

Statistics show that youth who have access to such facilities are less likely to engage in anti-social behavior and more likely to pursue higher education and employment. According to the National Youth Agency, participation in youth services can reduce incidents of youth crime by up to 50%. This highlights how crucial these clubs are in fostering a safe and prosperous future for our children.

We understand the urgency of tackling homelessness in our community, but using the youth club as a solution is not a sustainable or fair option. Instead, we propose exploring alternative sites for accommodation or seeking unused buildings that can be developed for this purpose. Several properties within the Greater Manchester area could potentially be converted into living spaces, preserving facilities that are crucial for the developmental needs of our youth.

We believe in solutions that do not sacrifice one group's welfare for another. We call upon the local authorities to consider other available options and to protect the sanctity of our youth club. By signing this petition, you are standing up for the future of West Gorton’s young people and supporting a balanced approach to community welfare.