Disappointment at DIY SOS youth hub opening delay

Cherry Tree Youth Hub trustee Tony Henderson says the centre should be open in the autumn

Youth workers said they were disappointed a new hub, built with the TV programme DIY SOS, was not open in time for the summer holidays.

Volunters built Cherry Tree Youth Hub in Beverley from scratch in May.

Trustee Tony Henderson said: "The reality is that we haven't been able to sign the building off yet. It failed its air pressure test and we can't sign off on fire regs until the air pressure test is done.

He said the centre was now expected to open in the autumn.

The building of the hub will be shown on TV programme DIY SOS

Activities have been continuing outside the centre, with Tuesday and Thursday night club being held in the park.

The good weather has made the delay in opening disappointing rather than disastrous, Mr Henderson said.

"We've got a fantastic park. All the rides were fixed while the DIY SOS team was here. The zip line's been fixed and you come down here on a night and it's packed with kids," he said.

When it opens, the new hub will bring an end to a period when Cherry Tree Centre staff and volunteers have struggled, including feeding local children pizza out of the back of a car in wind, rain and snow.

Four youth workers have been appointed to work in the centre, which includes a kitchen and a laundry to help youngsters keep their clothes clean.

Mr Henderson said: "This will be open for autumn when it gets darker nights and it gets colder and kids need a warm, safe place to go."

The DIY SOS television programme of the build is expected to be broadcast before the end of the year.

Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.

Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices