“I WILL do my best.” That was the pledge Education Secretary and local MP Nadhim Zahawi has given to Studley Parish Council in its bid to buy the village’s old youth centre and basketball court.
The commitment came as the Secretary of State took time off from his busy schedule to come to the Warwickshire village and discuss the vision councillors have for transforming a derelict site for the benefit of all residents.
Bold plans include demolishing and rebuilding – or renovating the current structure – to create a place for groups such as mother and toddlers, senior citizens, singing, exercise classes and an internet cafe.
But that’s not all. Campaigners also see it as part of a village square, a much sought-after centre for Studley, for local produce markets, performances, for meeting people and just spending time together.
Mr Zawahi, the MP for Stratford District, said: “I think clearly it is a site that could pave the way to provide a focal point for the village and I will do my best to represent the team here.
“They have a strong case in wanting Studley to have what would become in future years a real and positive public amenity.
“I will do my best for them.”
Mr Zahawi’s influence is seen as crucial in helping the parish council secure the building – and they have all-party support for the task, from both the village’s Liberal Democrat district councillors and its Conservative county councillor.
The old youth centre is owned by Warwickshire County Council, but as money at County Hall ran out, it was forced to close some years ago.
This year the cash-strapped authority put the site up for sale, then for auction, before withdrawing it.
Studley Parish Council has offered £50,000 from reserves to buy the site and is confident that once secured, support from interested parties within the village could help them see their dream become a reality – for the benefit of all.
Council chair Councillor Colin Summers said: “We don’t want to lose the old youth club to any inappropriate development.
“We want to create a multi-purpose centre which could be used by all manner of groups and have a village square, a focal point, too.
“We’d like to thank Nadhim Zahawi for coming out and meeting us, visiting the site and giving us his support.
“The next step is to hopefully receive the good news from the county council that they wish to give the property to us, the parish council.”
