20 November 2015
Dorset Greens are spearheading a campaign to save all twenty two of the county’s Youth Centres from the threat of closure.
The Conservative controlled County Council is looking at plans to cut the Youth Services budget by almost half.
Green County Councillor Clare said:
"I've looked hard at what these proposals mean. The council’s own officers warn that every one of our youth centres is now at risk of closure. Under the plans youth clubs in Weymouth, in Dorchester and in Bridport could all be closed by next summer.
"When I got elected I promised that protecting Dorset's Youth Services would be one of my highest priorities. I will do everything I can to ensure that these cuts do not go ahead. The scale of them is frightening".
"The council are looking at proposals to keep them open with community support. And I welcome anything that might keep them going. But isn't this what we all pay Council Tax for...so our council can provide us with a service....not local charity."
The County Council's own research showed that youth centres are highly valued by the people who use them and that they were seen as a great place to meet friends --- in towns which often have very few other facilities for young people.
The proposals will be voted on by the County Council's Conservative run Cabinet in January. They would reduce the Youth Service budget from £2.2 to £1.2 million...a cut of 45%.
Clare added:
"I have a youth centre in my own ward in Rodwell that does amazing work with young people. We need places like this for the common good."
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