A MAJOR shake-up of youth services, with provision being shifted to the voluntary sector, has sparked fears that clubs could face cut-backs or closure.

North Yorkshire County Council has announced a new prevention service to protect children and young people, and is set to save £3.2m from April

The council says the prevention service will bring together existing but separate services and support families in a more joined-up way, with workers able to stay with a child or young person whether they are babies or aged up to 19.

A spokesman for the authority said: “It will also increase the number of individual children and families the council supports at an earlier stage in order to bring down the numbers who need more intensive and costly intervention through children’s social care and other services.

“Prevention teams will work in 12 areas across the county providing highly targeted, consistent and effective support on the ground at times when families are most in need.”

The authority said for the provision of youth clubs it is working alongside a voluntary sector group and community support teams – but there are concerns it will mean many clubs which cannot find volunteers to help run them could close or reduce sessions.

At a quarterly meeting of North Yorkshire County Council on Wednesday, February 18, the Liberal Democrat group proposed an amendment to its budget recommendation, although it was rejected by members.

Cllr Margaret-Ann de Courcey-Bayley said: “We note significant changes are being made to youth service and have concerns about the adverse impact this will have.

“We propose a community fund of £350,000 be set up for local access – with each market town receiving £10,000 to run suitable schemes to support youngsters.”

Lee Featherstone, chairman of Bedale Youth Venue, is involved in providing services in the town for up to 100 youngsters, three nights a week.

Two nights are threatened as county council funding is cut, and the group is appealing for volunteers to help keep the sessions going.

He said over the years hundreds of young people had been helped with advice and guidance. He added: “The loss of universal services is a huge step backwards and we will unfortunately miss this in years to come.”

“The world has changed since we opened in 2008 but we are committed to ensuring young people have somewhere to meet.”

If you can help contact Clare Yates of North Yorkshire Youth, clare@nyy.or.uk or leenfeatherstone@btinternet.com