A CAMPAIGN has been launched amid fears that a youth service overhaul could result in cutbacks for Pendle.

Just over £2.3million must be saved by Lancashire’s young people’s service during 2011-12 and that figure will double the following year.

Plans have been drawn up to move to a ‘youth zone’ model which would see one ‘key centre’ created in East Lancashire – possibly at the Bradley Youth Hub in Nelson – supported by ‘satellite’ services.

But this has prompted fears over the future of the New Road youth and community centre in Earby and the Basement Project at Barnoldswick Civic Hall.

In total, 68 senior youth workers and 2 management posts will be lost and the number of offices will reduce from 13 to 6 countywide.

In a consultation letter, service head Rod Norton said the ‘key’ venues must be central and the satellite sites will be in ‘targeted’ wards.

Coun David Whipp and members of the West Craven area committee believe this will result in West Craven losing out to more deprived areas of Nelson and Colne.

Coun Whipp said: “We know what this means – that we won’t get anything.

"We would argue that we suffer from rural isolation and access to services is very much reduced.

“The centres which would be most affected are New Road, in Earby, and the Basement Project at the Civic Hall in Barnoldswick.”

Joyce Myers, of Earby Parish Council, said: “Our young people will be absolutely stuck.”

County Coun Mark Perks, cabinet member for young people, said: “We are carrying out a major reorganisation of the Young People’s Service which will concentrate resources on areas of highest need in these difficult financial times, and align our services with national changes.

“The proposals for the reorganisation are out for consult-ation until March 1 and we welcome all feedback on the location of services.

“The new structure will follow the ‘'Youth Zone’ model, with a key centre in each area, and ‘satellite’ services for more outlying communities.

"The proposals also include reductions in managerial posts.”