Young people could return to Bradford on Avon’s youth centre if a lease is agreed with Wiltshire Council.

The town council has agreed to take a lead role in securing the future use of the premises, and applied for a community asset transfer that would allow the centre to be run by the council and other community groups in the town. Wiltshire Council has offered a lease of five years.

Cllr Alison Craddock, deputy mayor and chair of leisure youth and arts committee, said: “The town council is considering the option of running it.”

Asked whether the youth group could still use the building, Cllr Craddock said: “I can’t see any reason why not.”

Wiltshire Council cut £250,000 from its youth services budget and introduced its new community-led model on Wednesday, which includes new community youth officers to co-ordinate activities and supporting young people.

Peter Dunford, community area manager for Bradford on Avon, said: “Our first task is to set up a Local Youth Network. There is a new CYO, Emma Coombs, who will be setting up and running LYN.

“She will work from home, but the feeling is she should be based in the town.”

Cherry Riley, 17, is a members of Bradford’s Youth Advisory Group who campaigned against Wiltshire Council’s decision to stop youth services at the centre.

She said: “I hope the CYO will be able to provide a service to get young people from all aspects engaged in decision making, whether that be in school or clubs. I feel confident that this will happen as I have met the Bradford CYO and feel very positive.”