Young Pelsall residents urge cash-strapped council to save youth centre

Pelsall Youth Voice has been launched against proposed budget cuts which will hit clubs in Walsall.

Youth service spending is poised to be slashed from £1.96 million to £888,000 over the next two years.

Ten youth centres are now under threat along with 54 jobs.

A consultation is to be carried out and young people in Pelsall are to hold talks with the council over the controversial move.

Pelsall councillor Garry Perry has been approached by the group to provide assistance.

He said :"The group fully understand the difficult decisions councillors have been making regarding cuts as a result of central government budget reductions. "Regardless of who the Government of the day is, cuts will still be made and undoubtedly this will result in less services being provided and a more targeted provision for those most in need.

"Pelsall Youth Voice do however believe that their views have not been asked for and they want to ensure that no decision is made about them without them hence they want to provide a formal line of communication with the Council and other voluntary and third sector organisation's about the future"

Speaking on behalf of Pelsall Youth Voice, Brendan Delaney, aged 16, said: "Nobody came and spoke to us about the youth club and what should happen and we are the ones that use it so we should have our say.

"The youth leaders support us in ways that family and teachers sometimes can't, they offer advice and help us plan our leisure time. They help us think about our futures and help us become better members of the community".

Katie Palmer, 14, added: "We know the council has lots to pay for and there isn't much money but closing places for kids is not the answer to saving money it's likely to cost more in the long run.

"All we are asking is for people to listen to us, give us a chance and help us save our youth club it's all we have"

They have created a five point plan which include looking at sharing resources and having safe environments for young people to meet.

Council chiefs have said difficult decisions need to be made but are trying to protect our residents, of all ages, as much as possible.