Charity streamlining behind youth hostel closure
GoogleA youth hostel in a national park is set to close after its lease was not renewed.
The Youth Hostel Association (YHA) said the 35-bed site next to Bellever Forest in Dartmoor, Devon, would close its doors on 30 June as it looked to streamline its operating model.
The charity said the decision was taken after a difficult few years which included Covid pandemic lockdowns and the cost-of-living crisis and it would honour bookings at the facility up until the closing date.
"We continue to keep hostels and our budgets under review to ensure YHA will have a viable and successful future, with a secure financial footing at the foundation of our organisational strategy," a YHA spokesperson said.
Dartmoor National Park Authority said it was saddened by YHA's decision, but understood the reasons why it was taken, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.
A spokesperson added: "We remain committed to working with YHA, partners and communities to ensure people continue to access and enjoy Dartmoor including future generations yet to discover the beauty, history and wildlife of our unique national park."
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