WORK is pressing ahead to build Blackburn’s new £8million Youth Zone, despite the announcement of huge cuts.

Demolition work is due to be completed at the former Jubilee House site later this month, and foundation work is to start in March.

New Youth Zone chief executive Peter Little has been in his position for just more than a week.

And he said he is confident that the facility will retain £400,000 annual Blackburn with Darwen Council funding, despite its £28million budget cuts.

Mr Little said: “The council is clearly under financial pressure. But all of the indications I have had are that the council will stand by its commitment.

“It is important in a time of cuts that something like the Youth Zone can open and fill the void. It cannot open quick enough.”

Funding for the £8million building project has been secured, but it will cost £1million per year to run.

It is expected to open later this year.