Boost for youth project

8:00am Saturday 10th March 2007

BUSINESS sponsors have come forward to help save Longridge youth development centre from closure.

The Friends of Longridge trustees have been fundraising to buy the £1.5 million freehold to keep the campsite and activity centre open beyond 2008, but a lack of sponsorship from Marlow businesses was threatening its future.

Following an appeal in the Free Press two weeks ago NetDespatch, a software company for transport businesses based in the High Street, and growing IT consultant TESI Enterprises Ltd, have stepped up to donate money, people and time to the centre.

Amanda Foister, campaign manager, said: "What has happened is thanks to the support your paper has given us. People are now talking about it and thinking about ways to help us. Other businesses are coming forward because these two companies have taken the first step and it is much easier for the others to follow now they have a guide.

"They are rolling up their sleeves and literally getting their hands dirty helping with maintenance. Hopefully they will get something out of it too, meeting new people and seeing how their work is directly helping the community."

Simon Jones, NetDespatch sales manager, said: "We support a charity every year and the staff chose Longridge so a certain amount of our revenue for this year will be donated to the centre. It's a fantastic local charity that provides opportunities for children that they wouldn't otherwise have."

TESI Enterprises Ltd, run by Terry Hastings, gave Longridge a cheque for £7,000 and offered to do electrical work on the centre's new cafe, due to open in June.

He said: "I don't want to see the River Thames border ending up looking like Tower Bridge with 600 duplex apartments.

"I wouldn't mind making a couple of million as a property developer, but we need to keep some green land for Marlow. As a family man, I hope my two children can enjoy the activities there."

Amanda added: "These guys have got the ball rolling for us, but we have £200,000 left to raise. Please get in touch if you think you can help out in any way."

Visit www.longridge-uk.org

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