Warwickshire County Council proposals could lead to youth centre closures

A consultation is under way asking people to give their views on plans which Warwickshire County Council says could “shape the future” of youth services in the county.

The proposals include closing Wellesbourne Youth Centre and ceasing the lease on the centre in Southam.

Warwick Youth and Community Centre’s premises in Coten End could also be declared surplus to requirements.

Kineton Youth Centre, Campion Youth Wing and Kenilworth Youth and Community Centre could also be subject to alternative management arrangements.

Lillington Youth Centre has been earmarked to become a centre of excellence which would continue to be maintained by the county council and would be part of its early intervention service.

The plans come as a result of the county council deciding to cut youth service funding from £4.6 million to £1 million earlier this year.

Cllr Heather Timms (Con, Earl Craven), the county councillor responsible for children, young people and families, said: “The pace and magnitude of the financial challenge requires large scale reform and this means we will have to make difficult decisions across the whole organisation, including youth services.

“However with change comes a time for review and our ‘Transformation of Youth Service’ proposals will offer opportunities to meet the needs of Warwickshire’s young people.

“It’s essential that we continue to engage with young people and that they continue to have opportunities to taken part in activities and have a voice in our communities.

“Youth work has huge impact on the lives of young people, their families and community as a whole and this will not be abandoned.”

The consultation will run until Monday May 9.

Meetings will take place across the county including at Kenilworth Youth Centre in Abbey End on Monday April 18 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

More information is available online at www.warwickshire.gov.uk/facingthechallenge

For more on this story see next Friday’s Courier or Weekly News.