EIGHTEEN youth groups across Somerset will have their funding cut as the county council looks to save £2.25million.

Somerset County Council has already said it is reducing funding to youth services over the next three years by about 75%.

That means of the 12 county council owned youth centres, seven could be handed to the community or voluntary groups.

And of the 30 other community-based youth groups supported by the authority, 11 face the chop unless volunteers take them over.

The county council has revealed it is to stop funding the following youth groups will – but added in many cases "detailed talks are underway with a variety of communities and volunteer groups with the expectation that a significant number will continue to be run and that SCC withdrawal will be phased": West Somerset – Dulverton, Carhampton, Luxborough, Minehead and Stogursey.

South Somerset – Ansford, South Petherton, Martock, Langport, Bruton and Somerton.

Mendip – Coleford, Glastonbury, Wells.

Sedgemoor – Wedmore, Cheddar, Nether Stowey (already closed due to very low attendances) and Lympsham.

Other youth services provided by youth workers will also be reduced.

Cllr John Osman, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “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.”

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