A DROP in numbers is behind proposals to close the youth centre in Hubberston, Pembrokeshire County Council’s cabinet were this week.

The council intends to close the open-access youth centre, which is a mile away from a purpose built centre in Milford, as well centres in Cilgerran, Manorbier and Solva and reducing sessions in Tenby.

The youth centre building in Neyland will also be relinquished and sessions reduced to two, held in an alternative location.

The proposals are due to begin at Easter 2015.

A cost saving review has recommended that the buildings housing Neyland and Hubberston youth centres, which also serves Hakin, be ‘relinquished’ and reducing the service in the identified areas would save around £56,000.

The Youth Service savings targets for 2015/16 is £125,000.

However, at Hubberston it is not just youth services that use the building; there are also adult classes and a nursery run from the building.

The move to close the centre has prompted strong objections from ward councillor Viv Stoddart and Cllr Mike Stoddart of neighbouring ward Hakin.

Cllr Viv Stoddart said that the centre is at the ‘heart of the community physically and symbolically’. She added that figures she received last week, after requesting them around Christmas time, stated the Hubberston closure would save £17,000.

At Cabinet on Monday (September 8) members were told that head of performance and community James White, or a senior service manager, had visited every youth club run by the council to carry out the review.

Cllr Sue Perkins, cabinet member for safeguarding, said that the review sought to ensure that a county wide presence remained and that areas of the most need of provision continued to receive it.

Council leader Cllr Jamie Adams added that it was about ensuring ‘revenue is utilised to provide a service rather than maintain costly buildings’.

“The level of service is what is driving our review and level of opportunity to engage in a meaningful youth service,” he added.

Mr White said that in 2011 264 individuals used Hubberston youth club and in 2013/14 137 attended.

He added: “Hubberston and Hakin children are accessing the purpose built youth centre in Milford Haven, which cost over £1million, and I am happy to ensure they continue to do that to the extent that we could provide a bus there and back.”

Mr White also said that the centre needs to make four or five times the income it does now to break even but he would be happy to have a discussion with anyone willing to take it over.

Cllr Viv Stoddart said after the meeting: “We are disappointed that cabinet did not agree to our request to delay making a decision on the future of Hakin and Hubberston youth club. The club is one of the key and valued users of Hubberston Community Centre. We asked that this crucial decision be seen in the wider context of the future of this vibrant facility which is at the heart of the community in Hakin and Hubberston.

“The focus in the youth club did not take into account the knock on effect of closure on additional services which contribute to the well being of the community.”