RECHARGE youth facility is not allowing the uncertainty over its long-term base prevent it from making progress.

The lease it has for use of Tranent Day Centre, which is owned by The Co-operative, expires at the beginning of next year, and as of yet there are no firm plans as to where it will be located in future.

However, Recharge has developed a strategy which is looking at all its options, as project manager Alan Bell told Tranent and Elphinstone Community Council last month.

He said: “One of the things we have been trying to do and been doing for the last year is establishing contact with The Co-operative to actually try and see about the possibility of a community partnership, but unfortunately we’ve not managed to get any links there at the moment.

“It’s something we are still working on.

“One of the things that has been in our favour is support from [East Lothian] Council, in particular some of the elected members.” He added: “I wouldn’t say we are panicking in any way. What it has allowed us [to do] is to see clear paths forward.

“We are trying to establish links with The Co-operative. It has given us other options as well to look at how we can better sustain the service for young people in the area.” With the pro-active work the facility does in Tranent and the surrounding areas, it continues to make progress, with it playing a key role in combating the number of youth-related calls the police receive, while providing youngsters with life skills.

“The key thing for us is that we are providing a quality service to young people in the area,” said Alan. “We have come a long way in a short time.

“There are certainly steps afoot to try and work on things and hopefully get The Co-operative to the table – that would allow some extra opportunities there.” Recharge came in for praise from TECC, which recognises the key part the facility plays in the town and further afield.

Colin Martin, TECC chairman, said: “It is one of these situations where everyone is hoping and wanting the same thing.

“I feel it is a bit more positive than it was a few months ago.

“It’s a vital asset to Tranent. We’ve been fortunate as youth calls have been going down that wee bit more, wee bit more, wee bit more and that’s no coincidence; that’s because of the work these guys and the other workers have all been doing, and some of the kids who are now support workers.” Meanwhile, the Recharge YouthBank has awarded its first grant of the year to a local band looking to hire a venue to practise in and organise some community gigs.

‘Till Sunday’ have been awarded £100.

A band member said: “This is fantastic news as it will allow us to practise for gigs and an eventual EP. Hopefully it can be the first step into a successful career in music.” The Recharge YouthBank is open to all young people aged 11-18 in Tranent and the surrounding villages (Fa’side ward area) and each young person can apply for up to £50 from the grant pot of £1,000. The applications will be considered by local young people trained on grant making.

Applications and more information are available at Recharge, at rechargenow.co.uk or by emailing mail@rechargenow.co.uk