VOLUNTEERS have been urged to come forward to save a weekly youth club from closure.

Oggy Youth Club meets every Thursday night in the Carus Centre, Queen Street, Hoddlesden, to provide a safe place for youngsters aged six to 16 to come together and have fun.

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But due to Blackburn with Darwen Council budget cuts, the club’s paid youth worker has been taken away leaving the club under threat.

Nicola Gillham, who helps run the club, said: “The current youth club has been running since 2011 and for much of that time has had leadership and support from Colin, a youth worker from Blackburn with Darwen young people’s services.

“Unfortunately this will cease from March as the council has to save money.

“Membership has increased significantly since September and we now have an average of 15 attending each week.

“We need a minimum of three adults each week for the club to open and without more volunteers this is not possible.

“We currently have only three volunteers and they cannot attend every week.

“It is essential we get more, otherwise the club will be forced to close.”

East Rural councillor Julie Slater said: “Since it has been up and running we have not had any anti-social behaviour in Hoddlesden.

“It is all about the children. We struggle here because we do not have a proper bus service.

“Parents want their children to stay in the village. They do not want to have to go up to Blacksnape late at night.

“It is really sad that the youth club might close. We haven’t got a Youth Zone like Blackburn and it is a long way for children in Hoddlesden to go to get there.

“It is being well used with more than 20 children going some nights and this is only a small village.”

Volunteers can call Nicola on 01254 773097 or e-mail nicolgillham@gmail.com to discuss helping out. No experience is necessary.

The club is open to youngsters in the East Rural Area.

Parents are encouraged to come along and meet the staff, and see what is on offer to your children.

The club is run by regular volunteer youth workers.

After the initial free taster session, the charge is £1 per week which goes towards the rental for the centre.