PCYC curtailed by building design
Dance parties have not been held at Umina Police and Community Youth Club (PCYC) for the last seven months because the building does not comply with requirements for a place of public entertainment.
Other activities at the PCYC have also been curtailed, leading to staff being stood down.
The Umina PCYC building was refurbished by Gosford Council three years ago at a cost of $1.2million as an "under-18s entertainment venue".
However, it is understood that basic requirements, such as outward-opening doors, were not provided.
It is now expected to cost another $40,000 to rectify the problems.
The bulk of this money is expected to come from the State PCYC office, with a small proportion being contributed by Gosford Council.
Cr Lynne Bockholt who was on the steering committee during the PCYC's development said that at the time it was not felt that the building needed to comply with public entertainment requirements.
Council staff did not return our phone calls seeking comment on the issue.
It is unclear how soon it will be before the rectification work will be completed.
However, in the meantime, the PCYC dance parties will resume at the Woy Woy Leagues Club.
The first will be held tomorrow (Wednesday) from 7pm.
There will be a disc jockey, soft drinks available and PCYC representatives.
The dance area will have its own entrance and exit, to alleviate concerns about personal safety.
It will be isolated from the rest of the club and both police and security will be supervising the night.
Patrons will not even be allowed to chew gum.
The event has been the baby of Senior Constable Paul Hanna who is happy to see the event continue.
"We are very excited," he said.
"We have had great success in the past at our Umina premises and the Leagues Club is offering a larger and more central venue to our youth."
The event is open to 12 to 17 year olds and is expected to finish by 11pm.
Tickets are $10 and there will be no pass outs.
With inquiries, phone 4344 7851.
Rob Jimenez, January 7