A NEW Youth centre planned for Abergavenny should provide opportunities for the whole community, says the town council.

But before any plans are made members wanted a thorough assessment on the cost of the project.

At the Abergavenny Town Council's last meeting a presentation was given by Peter Ellis on proposals for the former Ysgol Y Fenni site on Old Hereford Road.

Mr Ellis said, "We worked with community youth officers and the general consensus from town council members and members of the public has been they would like it reinstated as a youth centre.

"It should be managed by a community enterprise and for charity purposes. It is the most spacious of all the facilities for young people in Monmouthshire and will benefit people in and around the town."

From September 1 the community learning division has to pick up the tab to run the building.

"I propose the parts of the youth service move into it as soon as possible and aspects of the adult learning service," he said.

Mr Ellis said a management committee should be set up to run the centre after meeting officers from Communities First and the Gateway Club who were keen to get involved.

Councillor Douglas Edwards said, "A couple of years ago we had to pull St David's down and a considerable amount was spent when it had to be re-built."

The building will need to be adapted for the community centre and members expressed concern over costs.

They didn't want it to echo the problems with St David's School which had to be re-build because of a damaged roof.

Councillor John Prosser said, "I welcome the initiative but we have to have consultation with the architects and what impact it will have on the locality."

Councillor Chris Woodhouse said no money should be spent on the project until thorough assessments were made.

The two outside buildings will be removed to a Chepstow school to provide temporary accommodation.

Councillor Graham Preece said the skatepark development had to be settled before anything else because of where it may be sited. Mr Ellis said the council were waiting for results from an impact survey.