THE axe is hanging over five youth clubs in West Somerset after the county council confirmed it was looking to withdraw all funding over the next three years.

The news has been greeted with dismay across the district and prompted fears of a rise in anti-social behaviour if young people are left out in the cold.

Youth clubs in Carhampton, Luxborough, Minehead, Dulverton and Stogursey are all in the firing line as Somerset County Council aims to reduce its youth service funding by 75 per cent.

The cuts have already been approved by members of the county's cabinet and will go before all councillors for a final decision next Wednesday (February 16).

In a statement, the county council said seven of the 12 county council-owned youth centres could be handed over to community or voluntary groups to run.

A further 11 of Somerset's 30 community-led centres will also be affected, while "other" unspecified youth services will also be hit.

Cllr John Osman, cabinet member for children and young people, said the cost-cutting measures could save the authority £2.25 million over three years.

"We are faced with tough choices to balance the budget after a harsh Government settlement.

"Reducing Somerset County Council's youth services will have an impact on some young people across the county.

"I am sure, though, that many of these centres will continue to operate and we are already in detailed talks with several groups and partners keen to explore alternatives," he said.

The county council said it expected a "significant number" of the clubs to remain open through the dedication of community and volunteer groups and stressed the withdrawal of funding would be phased.

Carhampton Parish Council has already been instrumental in setting up talks aimed at saving its own twice-weekly youth club and is waiting for confirmation of a meeting date from County Hall officials.

The parish council wrote to Cllr Osman raising its fears over the impact of the loss of the club and urged the county council to do all it could to secure a future for the "valuable resource".

In a letter written on behalf of the parish council, clerk Jean Armin said without county council cash, the club would have to provide its own insurance and find significant funding to cover basic running costs and wages.

She wrote: "Before the establishment of the youth club, the anti-social behaviour of young people was a regular agenda item. This is no longer the case.

"The Carhampton Youth Club and its staff have much to be proud of.

"The members of Carhampton Parish Council will support whatever course of action may best ensure the continued provision of the two sessions a week for about 20 young people in this area of well-documented social deprivation.

"If such clubs are lost altogether the effect would be felt for a long time to come, as shown by studies on the benefits of giving support to young people."

Dulverton young people have already raised their concerns about the impact of the closure of their club, telling last month's packed public meeting in the town that the club was a crucial cog in Dulverton's wheels.

The youth club is run by a charitable trust and receives around £12,000 a year in county council funding.

Club spokesman Jo Hoare said around £30,000 a year was needed to keep it going, while young resident Sam Preston said the youth leaders and friends he had made at the club were like family.

"Dulverton would be a poorer place if we lost it," he said.

Youth clubs in Sedgemoor, South Somerset and Mendip are also threatened with closure, while a club in Nether Stowey has already shut its doors due to what the county council described as "very low attendances".