Youth clubs’ closure threat

OLDHAM’S Labour chiefs have attacked the ruling Liberal Democrat administration’s proposal to close almost every youth centre in the borough to fill the increasing budget gap.

Labour’s shadow Cabinet member for children, young people and families, Councillor David Jones, said youth centres were the foundation of a strong community.

The former council leader added: “To make cuts like this is a nonsense.

“Alternative means of providing the service are not in place — this is something the parents and young people of the borough will fight against.”

Lib-Dem proposals would see £660,000 taken from the youth and sports development budget. Under a detailed schedule sent by a senior council officer, only Cannon Street will remain as a dedicated youth centre.

Oldham Labour leader, Councillor Jim McMahon, said: “As the campaign to save the borough’s youth centres gathers momentum, Failsworth Area Action Team, which is made up of the police, housing associations and other local organisations have publicly opposed the closure of Failsworth’s James Street youth centre.

“The centre underwent an £80,000 renovation less than 12 months ago.”

But Oldham’s deputy leader, Lib-Dem councillor Jackie Stanton hit back.

She said: “We will be changing youth facilities for the better. There are some young people who have these services and others that don’t.

“This is an attempt to bring them together, modernise the youth facilities and make them better so that everybody gets a bite of the cherry.”