A YOUTH group in Callington is asking the town council for £35,000 to help keep its youth services running while it works towards a major refurbishment project.

The Callington Youth Project Group (CYPG) will make the plea when councillors consider an open letter from the organisation at their meeting on Tuesday evening (September 22).

The group wants the council to provide revenue funding for the next two years while plans to transform the upper floors of The Vault Youth Centre in Fore Street into flats are progressed.

The proposed flats would be rented to young adults, with the rental income eventually expected to cover the running costs of CYPG’s youth provision.

The organisation says it currently costs around £30,000 a year to operate its existing services, which include three weekly drop-in sessions at The Vault and a minibus service taking young people to Live Wire in Saltash.

CYPG is asking for a grant of around £35,000 this financial year, followed by further support in subsequent years.

The appeal comes after Saltash Town Council committed £50,000 a year for each of two youth clubs for three years – a total of £300,000.

CYPG says a contribution from Callington on a broadly proportional basis would provide the financial stability needed to maintain and develop its services.

The group bought 13 Fore Street, The Vault Youth Centre, last year after receiving £30,000 from Callington Town Council.

Since April 2024, its drop-in sessions have grown, with between 40 and 60 young people now registered as attending. Young people can access free food, games and activities, a music area, breakout rooms and toilets, as well as support from professional youth workers and volunteers.

CYPG says its services are particularly aimed at young people who do not engage with more formal activities such as Scouts, Guides or traditional sports.

The organisation is currently working towards planning consent and refurbishment of the upper floors of The Vault.

Local architect Gavin Langford is working on the project, funded through grants from the Architectural Heritage Foundation and Samworth Brothers.

CYPG expects to seek building tenders this autumn, with the refurbishment estimated to cost around £3 million and potentially completed by the end of 2028.

The organisation says rental income from the flats should eventually cover its operating costs and could allow it to employ a full-time professional youth worker and general manager.

In the meantime, CYPG says additional funding would allow it to improve its provision sooner.

The group also acknowledges concerns about the behaviour of some young people and says it is working with youth workers to improve perceptions of the project, reduce disruption outside The Vault and improve the appearance of the building.

The letter, signed by chairman Paul Carey, secretary Lesley Dingle, treasurer Paul Read and designated safeguarding lead Sarah Slocombe, urges councillors to view the funding as an investment in Callington’s young people.

The council meeting takes place at Callington Town Hall from 7.15pm on Tuesday.