PIONEERING plans are coming together to save the Ivy Lane youth club from almost certain closure. Dartmouth Town Council is leading a drive to take over the running of the building and secure the under-threat youth facilities. And if the deal comes off, it could secure a much-needed venue and meeting place for other groups and organisations. But volunteers are needed and it is hoped to secure funding from local charities to assist with the project. Ivy Lane is one of several youth facilities facing the axe this autumn in a cost cutting measure by Devon County Council. Now, following several meetings between the county and various organisations in the town, there are high hopes that the premises can be transferred back to the town council. County and district councillor Jonathan Hawkins said: 'For the last two months we have been trying to find a formula for the future of the Ivy Lane centre,' he said. We think we are now there. 'We have had meetings with Cllr James McGuinness, cabinet member responsible for youth services, and county are offering the freehold of the building back to Dartmouth. The youth of Dartmouth are very important to the future of the town and the youth centre is a vital facility for them. 'We still need funding and volunteers but the town council has said it is prepared to take over the freehold of the building and we are doing everything possible to secure the future of youth provision in Dartmouth.' Cllr Hawkins is chairman of a steering committee set up to transfer the ownership of the centre and look at future uses of the building. Representatives from various bodies including Dartmouth Academy, churches, Devon Youth Services and the Dartmouth and District Food Bank have been involved in discussions. In a report presented to this month's meeting of the town council, Cllr David Gent and Cllr Francis Hawke said: 'We are advised that Devon County Council will be willing to transfer ownership of the Ivy Lane centre and its contents to the town council, at no cost to us, for use for community purposes. 'As we understand it, this is not exclusively for youth services and the building can have multiple uses. 'As well as youth services, it would be possible to house other community organisations, including the food bank, which already uses Ivy Lane for its cookery club.' Councillors are to seek more information on a fund of £200,000 that it is understood the county council is setting up for groups who take over youth centres for community projects. Afterwards, mayor Cllr Rob Lyon said: 'People are pulling together in the right direction and things are happening. 'We have already had an offer from a former youth worker to run a club one night a week. 'This is encouraging but we still need help from a lot of people and we will be talking to other youth groups and charities.' Dartmouth vicar Fr Will Hazlewood said there were challenges to making it work, but it was vital youth provision was maintained in the town. 'We feel passionately that this work must not finish and if it does it will be to the detrimental impact of the town,' he said. The Ivy Lane centre includes a meeting room, a demonstration kitchen and coffee area, rehearsal space and recording studio with equipment and musical instruments, pool tables, sofas, office and storage space.