TWO under-threat youth centres could continue under local control.

Ludgershall and Tidworth youth centres are part of a review of youth provision being undertaken by Wiltshire Council as part of a cost-cutting measure.

Many centres are owned by Wiltshire Council but not the two in this area.

Cllr Chris Williams, who represents Ludgershall at County Hall in Trowbridge, said: “There is a consultation taking place at the moment.

“One proposal is to devolve the money to area boards and they would run services as they see fit.

“In some areas this could see the closure of centres and them moving into community campuses, but Wiltshire Council does not own the Ludgershall Youth Club and only pay a peppercorn rent.

“The same applies in Tidworth – so there is nothing for the Wiltshire Council to pull out of.”

Much of the youth work could be carried out by volunteers, he suggested.

But Cllr Tony Pickernell said it might be difficult to find them.

He said: “It is all very well forming a committee but what about the youth leader?

“Most of the volunteers are over 65, not the ones who go out into the field. Younger people are working.”

But Cllr Williams pointed out the success of the local Scout group, which didn’t exist 12 months ago, and now attracts more people than the youth club.