RESIDENTS of Beaminster are fighting to keep what they describe as the “heart of their community” as youth clubs across Dorset face the axe.

Dorset County Council (DCC) is set to go out to consultation on a proposal to withdraw its funding for youth centres.

The authority confirmed that it is reviewing the way it delivers youth services in the county as it seeks to reduce its budget by 45 per cent from £2.2million to £1.2million.

It is putting forward a proposal that would see funding for youth centres withdrawn and the focus of youth work in the county shifted so youth workers work more closely with schools and deliver targeted group work for those in need.

A campaign has also been launched in Bridport to save the youth centre from potential closure.

Town councillors, representatives, children and parents gathered at Beaminster Town Hall on Wednesday night to voice their opinions and discuss the next step in protecting their youth club.

Cllr Rebecca Knox said: “Beaminster’s Youth Club isn’t just that it is a multi-use hub. We are in a really unique position. Ours is very different to others. Tonight is a really good opportunity to think about what we want and what we can do to sustain that building. I would really like to come out of this meeting saying yes Beaminster is up for this. It needs to have a lot of us behind it. Let’s just get positive and work together.”

Children who attended the meeting admitted they used the youth services in the town up to four times a week.

Gil Streets, part of the youth centre management committee, said: “Beaminster youth centre has always been very popular with a wide area of Dorset. I am very frustrated at the moment. I have written twice to DCC and not received a reply and I will be writing again after this meeting. We need more guidance from the county council.”

One Beaminster resident said: “These children are the future. The youth services have a huge impact on them.”

Another resident said: “It has helped one of my daughters massively with building her confidence and making new friends. It has really made a difference to to her life." and it would be a really shame to lose it. It’s a chance for the children to have someone to talk to, someone they can trust, out of school.”

In a post to the Save Beaminster Youth Centre Facebook page after the meeting, Cllr Knox said: “Thank you to everyone who came along to the meeting tonight, the support is so helpful and demonstrates the commitment many have to not only the current youth service but what is needed in the future, all ages.

"It is the whole package of services which is important to highlight. The way forward will need your help and support, and you know what works for you and your families, has done in the past and what young people need in the future. Thank you for your support.”

Visit dorsetforyou.com/youth-services-consultation