It suggested that the Gamezone group had been forced to close because of the demolition of Chantry Youth Centre to allow Derbyshire County Council to build a new £7 million residential and community care centre for older people.

This is not the case. Since Gamezone leaders were informed of the closure over six months ago, they have been offered two alternative bases — both of which they have turned down for their own reasons.

Derbyshire County Council has supported Gamezone with rent free accommodation over the last five years and we have done our utmost to help find an alternative base.

I attended a meeting at Staveley Town Hall on April 2 with Mick Samuel from Gamezone and representatives from Staveley Town Council, Staveley police, and members of our youth service, to discuss alternative accommodation.

Springwell Community School, which is adjacent to Chantry Youth Centre, is happy to accommodate the group.

It is among the first six schools in the county proposed for replacement in our £77 million Building Schools for the Future programme and would feature a purpose built youth facility.

We feel this is a fantastic opportunity. Gamezone does not want to move there.

Staveley Town Council offered free accommodation in its Speedwell Rooms. This was also turned down.

Our long-standing support recognises the excellent work Gamezone does with youngsters in the Middlecroft area. We don't want to see the group close.

Gamezone meets successfully in schools in other areas of the county and we believe Springwell is a suitable base.

We would welcome further meetings to discuss Gamezone's move to the school.

Cllr John Williams,

Leader of Derbyshire County Council.