PRUDHOE’S beloved but endangered youth centre could be taken out of county council control.

Prudhoe Town Council is taking steps to consider moving the East Centre out of the local authority’s hands and into the care of the town.

In January the community was rocked when the 52-year-old Front Street facility was put on the market.

Northumberland County Council planned to relocate the facility from the East Centre to the Fuse Centre, on Moor Road.

However, following vehement public outcry and a campaign led by Prudhoe’s young people, county council leader, Grant Davey halted the sale.

Angry local councillors have been keen to determine who at Northumberland County Council was responsible for the move.

And at an extraordinary meeting of Prudhoe Town Council last week, it was agreed to consider an asset transfer of the centre. The town council will also clarify any convenants which may exist in relation to new buildings on the East Centre site.

Chairman and town mayor, Coun. Jennifer McGee said: “Nothing is definite here. There would be a lot of exploring to do as to whether Northumberland County Council would be prepared to consider an asset transfer.

“That may be to a community group in Prudhoe, or Prudhoe Town Council.”

Coun. George McGee said: “I think it’s definitely worth exploring. It’s going to take a bit of work, effort and thought.

“But the danger is still there for that facility to be taken from the town.”

Prudhoe Town Council clerk, Richard Whinney informed the meeting that the council’s request for more information had been acknowledged by the deputy chief executive, Daljit Lally.

He said: “The letter was making the specific point that councillors wished to find out who had been responsible for taking the decision in the first place and asked that officers came to the February meeting to provide that information.

“Our letter has been acknowledged by the deputy chief executive. A reply has been promised.”