New lease of life for abandoned church

Rother District Councillor Michael Ensor met United Reformed officials, who own St John's Church in London Road and the adjoining Victoria Hall, on Tuesday.

Signing the lease, Cllr Ensor, who is also chairman of the children's services scrutiny committee for East Sussex County Council, said: "I have received so much encouragement for this new youth venture since it was announced two weeks ago, but now the real work begins.

"I've been waiting almost nervously, wondering whether this will actually happen. Now I've signed the lease it's moved things to a whole new phase.

"I quite understand the scale of the task and responsibilty, but I really want to get on and do this now."

The ceremony was witnessed by Reverend Andrew Berry, minister for St George's Church in Cantelupe Road. The congregation of St John's moved to St George's in 2007 following mounting maintenance costs and dwindling attendance. The building has stood empty since then.

The Observer recently announced Cllr Ensor's plans to create a youth centre by installing cinema seats in the sanctuary, rennovating a lounge area into a common room and remodelling the kitchen and toilets.

A consultation period, giving young people a chance to decide what features and amenities the centre will include, begins with an open day at St John's on Saturday, October 10.

A skate park and basketball facilities are among current suggestions, but Cllr Ensor is keen to hear as much feedback as possible, and spoke of forming a Youth Committee to help with decisions.

He said: "The church needs a big makeover to bring it back into active life, and there is a chance for both young people and interested adults to shape the vision for the centre.

"I don't think it would work unless the young people are able to contribute their ideas. I think it's been proven elsewhere that if adults go ahead and design things for young people, they may find it "not cool". We're looking for the cool factor."

He asked everyone who was interested to attend the open day from 10am-4pm, where they can air their views on a video blog of the process and talk to Michael about their ideas.

A date for the opening of the centre has not yet been set due to the amount of work required to redecorate and make safe the building.