FACED with crippling debts and depleting numbers, Carnforth's charity owned Borwick Hall future looks uncertain.

Current owners the Lancashire Youth Club Association (LYCA), hope to sell the Tudor mansion to County Hall but negotiations are ongoing, as the Citizen revealed last week. Meanwhile, what has happened to the Friends of Borwick Hall? Well, they regrouped, and renamed themselves the Friends of the LYCA.

Citizen reporter Julie Hoole spoke to Gladys Muschamp, President of the Friends of the LYCA, to find out more.

"I think everyone was very sad when we pulled out of Borwick Hall but we couldn't afford to keep pouring money down the drain," said Mrs Muschamp.

Gladys gives a frank and open account of the dramatic departure, which took place last year and the financial headaches which prompted it.

She admits that the changing demands of young people played a significant role in Borwick's spiralling fortunes.

The LYCA bought Borwick Hall back in the 70s and it had been a popular venue for young people.

She said: "I remember when we first opened, every course was over subscribed with a waiting list but times have changed. It wasn't all financial, young people have changed. The recession and the shifting habits of youngsters people have caught up with us." If the sale of Borwick Hall goes through successfully - hopefully by this September - LYCA will have enough money to support its 90 voluntary youth clubs across the county and Gladys is confidant this is the organisation's best way forward.

"Everyone was very sad when we decided we'd have to get rid of Borwick Hall but personally from the point of view of the clubs and associations I think a lot of good will come out of it," added Gladys.

The LYCA received Lottery funding last year to employ a development officer and a field worker. Meanwhile members of the Friends of the LYCA have kept up a packed itinerary of fundraising activities and the latest event is a Strawberry Tea at 2 Carus Park, Arkholme on July 12 from 2-5pm. Gladys is keen to keep up the pressure on fundraising. She explained: "It's very hard to get funds for youth, people have such a bad opinion of them. But we've had youngsters who have worked with handicapped children and they've been great.

"A lot of the members of the youth clubs come from disadvantaged backgrounds and if we can help the association in any way we can, we will." If you would like to get involved with the LYCA or with the Friends of the LYCA ring (01772) 556127.

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