'NO PLACE, NO FUTURE' SAYS LEADER OF SCHEME

15 July 2005

The future of a Duke of Edinburgh scheme in Swansea is under threat because the team responsible for running it has been left homeless. Organisers say they are disappointed because a promise to re-house them at the new stadium in Morfa has come to nothing.

Swansea's Opens Award Centre runs the scheme for young people who attend schools that do not take part in Duke of Edinburgh schemes.

It provides help and equipment to people aged up to 25 who want to take part in the charity's programme of activities and challenges.In recent years the centre has been based at Vetch Field, thanks to the generosity of Swansea City FC, which has provided them with a meeting room and space to store equipment.

But with the closure of the historic ground at the end of last season, the team has been looking for a new base.

And according to unit leader Adrian Crowley, the group believed that they had secured a space at the new stadium in Morfa, thanks to an agreement with former chief executive Tim Howell.

Mr Crowley, who was made an MBE in 1995 for his work with young people, said: "We had a meeting with Mr Howell and he told us he had identified a room at the stadium that we could use.

"But two weeks later he resigned, and when we contacted the stadium mangers again they said that they couldn't do it because it would be very difficult to accommodate such a big group.

"It means we are not able to run as normal at the moment.

"If we can't secure a place, we will have to consider our future".

The centre currently has more than 120 young people on its books taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, and 25 volunteer staff.

They have been provided with a temporary shelter at the TA Centre in Glamorgan Street, but the room is too small to house them all, and cannot be guaranteed for the future due to the TA's own obligations.

So their next meeting will see the Duke of Edinburgh participants in separate venues because they cannot be accommodated in one.A spokesman for stadium managers StadCo apologised that they could not provide space, but promised to help out with future awards ceremonies and in the search for a new venue.

"We recognise the very valuable contribution the Duke of Edinburgh scheme makes to the personal development of young people in our city," said a spokesman.

"Unfortunately, however, we cannot accommodate the group as there are clashes with match days and other events in our conference and hospitality areas.

"Nevertheless, we are keen to host their annual awards and are working closely with the council to help find a suitable alternative venue for them to use."