Fighting to save under-threat youth services in Yeovil

PLANS are ongoing in Yeovil to save under-threat youth services following a funding shortfall.

Somerset County Council has reduced its funding for youth and community services by nearly £1m as part of its 2014-15 budget which has included overall cuts of nearly £20m.

Now councillors at Yeovil Town Council and South Somerset District Council are looking to plug that financial gap for young people by working alongside partners to find new cash.

PHOTO - TOP: Parent Nagaraja Akkisetty (left) with Cllrs Andrew Kendall (centre) and Mike Lock.

Cllr Mike Lock, of Yeovil Town Council, said: “Members of the town and district councils have come together to ensure that young people in our town are able to access professional advice and help. I am proud that we are protecting provision for youth services."

He added that today's young people were "our future."

Yeovil parent and campaigner Nagaraja Akkisetty added: “It is reassuring that smaller local authorities are picking up the bill. This is good news for local parents.”

The councillors are working with neighbouring parish councils in the Yeovil area to try and find new sources of funding for youth provision.

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