Town councillors in Bradford on Avon have agreed to proceed with plans to take over the running of the youth centre from Wiltshire Council.

They are looking to sign an 18 month lease initially with the prospect of increasing the lease to five years.

It means the building could continue to be used by community groups, including a new youth group.

At a full council meeting on Tuesday, town councillors were presented with documents that outlined a summary of talks held with Wiltshire Council and agreed that, based on forthcoming meetings with local groups and the disclosure of further financial details, the town council would take a leading role in securing the future use of the Frome Road premises.

Cllr Alison Craddock said: “It would be something of an act of faith for the town council to take over the running of the centre. We may only secure it for the short term but if it becomes a vibrant and well used facility, it might be more difficult to claim it back.

“There is no doubt that, if the opportunity is not taken now, then any chance to run and possibly own, the youth centre building will be gone.”

It was estimated at Bradford’s recent area board meeting that the upkeep of the building would be about £20,000 a year.

It has been proposed that if the takeover is successful in the forthcoming months, then youth services would be able to use the centre as a base for meetings and projects.

The Llewellyn Palmer Trust has granted the youth group £10,000 for the first year, if the centre stays open.