Lift-off for space project

The Space 109 centre is now set to be installed in a disused shop in Walmgate after planning chiefs unanimously passed

the proposals at a committee meeting in the Guildhall.

The centre, to be installed in the old Refurnish store, will offer arts, crafts, drama and media production workshops.

Joanne Pullar, who is

spearheading the project, told councillors she wanted people of all ages in the Walmgate

community to enjoy the centre.

Some activities, such as "family search", would be particularly aimed at senior citizens, she said.

"There are many people living in this neighbourhood who are happy and willing to do this," she said.

"The over 60s have life

experience which should be recorded for posterity."

Other projects, such as a

TV-style documentary about people living in the area, street performances and drama were also in the pipeline.

But local resident Don Gittins told the meeting he feared the centre could bring antisocial behaviour to Walmgate.

"I'm not objecting to what's taking place there, I think it's commendable. But what people are objecting to is the location," he said.

"This place is going to open from 1pm to 8pm, it's going to encourage youths to come in as well as adults, but there's going to be no smoking in there and youths will congregate outside on the bench.

"There's going to be no control when the place closes."

But the meeting heard that Selby-based Mayfair Security had designs on taking up an office in the building, which it was felt could allay any

nuisance problems.

Committee member Coun Dave Evans said: "I can

understand the concerns, but I don't think this project will

contribute in any way to the trouble."

Coun Derek Smallwood said: "This seems to be an ideal change of use, an educational community use that can

actually fit and meet a need for local people to enjoy facilities they wouldn't normally enjoy in their own right."

Updated: 10:32 Tuesday, December 06, 2005