COUNCILLORS – some grudgingly – have agreed to continue to provide funding for the use of a special recreational vehicle by youngsters. For five weeks this summer children and teens will be able to take part in activities on board the Fun Bus, which is parked in Pentre Mawr Park, Abergele, on Monday evenings. Barbecues, tennis, football, skateboarding and a giant ball pit are on offer. Organiser Linda Tavernor, of Abergele Youth Action, said: "We had 60 young people here in the park last Monday, but we are really stretched and what we do, the Government should regard as a necessity." Financial support for the bus was nearly scrapped during a debate in Abergele Town Council on whether to supply AYA with necessary money to secure its services. For the past three years, AYA has leaned heavily on the town council for grants in the region of £3,000 to keep the project going. But last week, it seemed councillors had had enough. "We hold the money for the people of Abergele," said Cllr Chris MacRae. "But that is for the people of Abergele, not just one group." Cllr Jean Stubbs, one of AYA’s founding members, retorted: "My only interest is in the youth of Abergele. The AYA is so important and at the end of the day the money we have at this council is for the people of Abergele. "There are so many people involved in this and we have given them so much money over the years, but inflation goes up, not down." Concerns were also raised as official AYA accounts were not available for inspection because they were being audited. A vote was passed to give the charity £1,000 immediately but no more until official statements had been seen. An amendment to give nothing to the charity until the statements had been seen was defeated. This brings the total given to Abergele Youth Action for the fun bus this year up to £2,000 and it seems likely the additional £1,000 traditionally enjoyed, will not materialise. Cllr Delyth MacRae said: "This is the beginning of our year, We have another 12 months to go and AYA have had a lot of money." Town Clerk Tina Earley advised councillors: "If we pay any more, it will come from other areas of the budget." The fun bus is guaranteed to be in Pentre Mawr Park every Monday until July 16. Mrs Tavernor added: "We are grateful to the town council for supporting us. There are many young people out there who, if the town council and schools and other agencies had not helped us, would be in the gutter." | 
Article
