Reopen the ARCHES

The Arches Youth and Community Project previously ran a local youth club from two Arches on the Evelyn Estate. We first secured use of the building way back in 2002 and have been using it ever since. In March 2008 Lewisham Council asked for the keys to be returned and a few months later another group was allowed to used the building. We have written to Council representatives on numerous occasions and even though it is clear that we have been wrongly evicted, our complaint is yet to be upheld.

We the undersigned, are concerned citizens who urge our Council leaders to act now and reopen the Arches and allow the Arches Youth and Community Project to continue the work they have started. The Deptford area needs this type of project , and the closure of this project has negatively effected the community.At the time of the closures Arches had over 100 members, activities going on at the Arches in the football cage. Arches and Charlton FC were running weekly football tournament. On many nights we attracted over 100 young people. This was not a failing club......