CONNEXIONS CENTRES SET TO CLOSE AFTER COUNTY CUTS

2.58.00pm GMT Wed 26th Sep 2007

Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne said it would be a real loss to the community if the Connexions centres for young people were forced to close.

That is now the plan after their handover to the responsibility of Hampshire county council. As from 1st April 2008, the Connexions centres come under the Tory-controlled county.

But Mr Huhne has now written to Hampshire county council boss Cllr Ken Thornber to appeal for a stay of execution, before he makes a decision on the 11th October.

"The Connexions centre that I know best in Eastleigh has attracted all sorts of young people who just would not go to another venue as the county suggests. The whole point is that it is easy for kids to drop in off the street. It's a one stop shop for advice and help for young people who need it the most."

"Closing the centres across Hampshire will incur costs of around £1.4million just for terminating the leases. Given the public money already spent on setting up these centres, to close them now seems incomprehensible.

The Connexions centre serves Eastleigh by providing training and employment advice, counselling and other support to around 450 young people a month, many of whom are not in education, employment or training.