Prince's Trust to leave city centre base

The Prince's Trust is due to vacate its base in Hanley within weeks

A charity which supports young people in Stoke-on-Trent is closing its city centre base.

The Prince’s Trust has been located at the Grade II-listed former Head Post Office in Hanley for more than a decade.

The BBC understands the charity’s lease is now up, and will not be renewed.

A Prince's Trust spokesperson confirmed the move, but said the charity remained committed to supporting young people in the area.

It is understood the charity will continue its programmes in the city, and is now looking for a new base.

Stoke-on-Trent Central MP Jo Gideon said that when she raised concerns last year about the possible closure of the Prince’s Trust facility in Tontine Street, a spokesperson from the charity had given a statement saying she was wrong.

'Greatly missed'

Ms Gideon said: “I am sad that I was proved right, because at the time I offered to work with the organisation to see if it was possible for them to remain in the building.

“The services provided by the Prince’s Trust in our city centre will be greatly missed by our young people and I hope that they find another space to continue serving our young people.”

The Prince's Trust, which works with people aged 11 to 30 who are unemployed or struggling at school, has had offices and training facilities on the upper two floors of the building on Tontine Street since 2013.

A Prince's Trust spokesperson said: "Following a routine review of our property, it is now our intention to leave our existing location in Hanley.

"We remain committed to supporting young people in the area and working with local partners to build their confidence and skills for the future."