The threat of closure that has been hanging over two important YHA hostels has been lifted. Since last summer hostels at Dufton in Cumbria and Thurlby in Lincolnshire had been earmarked for closure by the YHA following losses of approximately £4m caused by the Foot and Mouth Disease epidemic.
The loss of the Dufton hostel in particular would have been a real blow for walkers as it is a vital stop-over along the Pennine Way, and, with the proposed closure of another nine hostels, was the subject of an emergency motion at the Ramblers' Association's General Council in 2002.
Now Dufton will remain open thanks to a £72,000 grant from the Rural Economic Development Zone, a £119,500 grant from the North West Development Agency's Cumbria Rural Development Programme and matching funding of £69,000 from the YHA.
The money will be used to undertake the essential redevelopment of the building, allowing family rooms to be built, an upgrade of the bathroom facilities and the refurbishment of the kitchen facilities. Internet access and a tourist information point will also be installed
YHA Thurlby, near Bourne in Lincolnshire, will now remain open following a decision by Lincolnshire County Council to purchase and refurbish the building in partnership with South Kesteven District Council.
Once refurbished the hostel will meet VisitBritain's four-star rating for hostels, and will become a 30+ bed hostel with family rooms and at least one fully accessible room for people with disabilities. External landscaping will create improved car parking and an attractive garden and barbecue area.
Youth Hostel Association
