The future of Bingley's Daily Grind youth centre has been secured, thanks to Bradford Council.

The centre, which is the town's flagship youth project for skateboarders, is to become part of the Council's youth service.

From May 28 responsibility for the project will pass from Patti Gregory, the chairman of its management committee, to the Council's Shipley Youth Service.

Initially it will open only one day a week, on Saturdays from 1pm to 5pm, although it is hoped this will eventually be increased to two days.

Earlier this year it lost its funding from the Council and more recently it has remained closed because of an alleged lack of volunteers.

Patti Gregory, who has been chairman for two years, said: "The assets of the Daily Grind will be transferred but it will remain as a charity for fund raising purposes and hopefully attract more people.

"Looking at if from the young people's point of view it's a shame we lost the funding. We had become caught in a rut.

"But for the young people of Bingley skating will continue for 12 months minimum.

"There will be further activities for young people. It's good news and puts it on a more secure footing and should flourish with more diversity.

"I have enjoyed my time, particularly the first year when it was particularly well-attended and I hope it flourishes really. There are lots and lots of needs out there and for the pre-pub age, 12-18-year-olds, there is not very much for them to do in the town. There's still a lot of work to be done and I hope more people from the community become involved."

Bingley councillor Colin Gill said: "It's sad that local people have lost control of this exciting project but it was to be expected when the Labour Council reduced the funding of local groups."

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