I WRITE in response to St Helens Council’s proposed cuts to youth centres, as reported in the Star over recent weeks.
St Helens Council claims changes are being made because of 50 per cent cuts to the ‘youth and play budget’.
Firstly, there isn’t a specific budget from government given to local authorities for play and youth work. It is a political decision made in St Helens Town Hall to cut the this budget by 50 per cent.
Secondly, when an election pledge was made concerning the development of a youth facility (a pre-election pledge by the Labour party, the announcement was suggestive this would be a new purpose built building).
Why is everything in St Helens a make-do-and-mend approach? Clearly the electorate has been deceived.
Thirdly, it appears that there is no real consultation taking place as the decisions are all cut and dried.
Fourthly, the Beacon Building, owned by the YMCA built with European Funding, is where the Youth Service was originally based. But they moved out because of the cuts as the office space and meeting rooms was hired by St Helens Council. This indicates a complete lack of long-term thinking.
Finally, it is also worth mentioning that the Beacon has no outside area for young people, unlike two of the three centres due to close. This restricts young people to doing indoor activities only.
Anthony Wilson
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