Lib Dems condemn Tory plans to close youth centres
September 15, 2011 12:47 PM
Liberal Democrat councillors have condemned Conservative plans to terminate direct support for youth centres across Bromley.The Conservative administration's plans affect half of Bromley's youth centres, potentially leaving vast swathes of the borough without provision for young people.
The policy is part of Bromley Council's efforts to reduce expenditure. But in 2010, the Conservatives voted down a Liberal Democrat budget amendment that would have saved £1.2 million for youth services without raising Council Tax.
The decision was taken by Shortlands councillor Ernest Noad, the Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People, who said that "The present use of our youth centres is not providing value for money"
Cllr Papworth, Leader of the Opposition on Bromley Council and the Liberal Democrat spokesman for Children and Young People, said "Just last month, young people across London were involved in the worst riots for a generation. Some were perpetrators; many more were victims. It is madness for the Conservatives to halve the number of youth centres in Bromley at a time when every expert agrees that more needs to be done to provide young people with safe and constructive outlets for their energies.
"Bromley Council's own targets include reducing youth offending, yet efforts to provide young people with an alternative are being withdrawn. Bromley's Conservatives seem hell-bent on undermining their own performance."
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