COUNCIL chiefs have spelled out what the future holds for the borough’s five youth centres in the wake of cuts totalling £800,000 allied to the loss of around 18 full-time posts.

There were initial fears that the youth service savings could have forced four of the five centres to close.

But bosses have now disclosed that the buildings will remain open, although some of the previous youth activities will be carried out by new service providers.

However, in some cases, uncertainty remains over the level, frequency and type of youth services which will be offered.

Speaking at last week’s full meeting of Bury Council, cabinet member for children and young people Councillor Bob Caserta said: “The youth service provides a service through basically five venues.”

Bury’s New Kershaw centre, he revealed, will act as a “linchpin” of the new service while at the Y Zone in Radcliffe, arrangements were taking place with the Redeeming Our Communities service.

Cllr Caserta said he was confident this would result in “an enhanced youth provision for the people of Radcliffe”.

At Bury’s Elton Centre, agreement has been reached with adult services to take over the building.

“But they will allow us use of the building for a certain amount of youth provision,” said Cllr Caserta.

“At the Shuttle Centre in Whitefield, we are holding discussions with the children’s services department to take it over to provide a certain education provision.

“But here also, part of the agreement will include allowing the youth service access to use the facilities in the evening.

“Finally, in the Phoenix Centre in Prestwich, discussions are ongoing with the Prestwich Methodist Association as to how best to use and retain youth provision.”

Cllr Caserta said these buildings generated “massive overheads” but stressed the council’s objective was to try to retain youth activities either through the council or via an alternative service provider.

“Considering the strategy of the budget we’ve had, we are going to provide quite an adequate service and one even better than before,” he said.