SINCE YourThurrock began in the summer of 2008, we have often popped in to the recording studio at the Youth and Connexions Service in Grays. There, upstairs, is Studio 7. Manned by the legendary Lewis Clarke, the studio has become a haven for young aspiring musicians, taking their first steps in the creative world.
Indeed, that is their dream: that one day they may be a star. The other side of the coin is that Studio 7 keeps them off the streets and out of the courts.
But now the whole future of the studio has been thrown into doubt with Lewis announcing he will be leaving in a months time after what can only be described as a full and frank exchange of views about the time allocated to the studio.
The possible closure of the studio may be greeted by some quarters as a cause for celebration but those with their fingers on the pulse will fear that the cessation of such projects could have severe social consequences.
It was clear that a mentor like Lewis was keeping a lot of young men out of trouble. When they were in trouble, he was the one who would accompany them to youth court, plead their case and get them back on the straight and narrow. With him gone, the consequences could be dire.
We have no doubt that Tory and Labour councillors have never heard of this particular council officer. One doubts whether Corporate Director Jo Olsson has engaged with the studio like she did in spending close to 22,000 on art work last week.
Finally, Thurrock has one of the worst records for community cohesion in the country. The Studio was/is the finest example of men and women from across the creeds and colours, working together. What will the Audit Commission think of this?
Sometimes it makes us wonder how Thurrock keeps from going under.
