COUNCIL chiefs have come under fire for looking to slash youth funding to nothing by 2016 - with critics saying it will leave thousands of children twiddling their thumbs.

Worcestershire County Council spent £3 million on activities for children in 2010, but since then has chopped it down to £1 million.

As your Worcester News first revealed in July, the Conservative leadership is looking to reduce it to zero by 2016, and has called upon the likes of schools and businesses to fill in the gap.

During a full council meeting yesterday, the current spending was described as "abysmal" by Liberal Democrat and Labour politicians, who are pressing for a re-think.

The spending was due to reduce to nothing in April 2015, but in July the Tory administration decided to delay that cut by 12 months to look for outside help.

Councillor Fran Oborski, a Liberal, said: "It's fair to say members of all parties have expressed very great concern about our 'Positive Young People' funds ceasing altogether.

"The ability of this council to 'pump prime' youth activities with our funding is a great driver to making sure youth activities are actually being provided."

Councillor Luke Mallett, from Labour, said: "In 2010 we had £3 million invested in youth services in this county, we now have £1 million and the number of youth centres has halved.

"I think it's particularly distasteful that the worst of this council's cuts have affected young people in this county - we can find money for potholes but not young people, it seems.

"I would urge you (the Tory leadership) to think again."

Councillor Paul Denham, also from Labour, said the current spending was "abysmally low" and added: "The idea we can even consider running a youth service without any money at all fills many of us with a great deal of concern."

The current spending funds activities for nearly 10,000 youths across Worcestershire, with 23 contracts currently ongoing with third party providers who run clubs, youth centres and a range of activities.

Councillor Liz Eyre, the cabinet member responsible for children, has defended the stance by saying there is "no evidence" the £1 million delivers value for money.

"We are not in the business of providing youth services universally, and over the next few months I plan to make all councillors aware of the many, many activities provided for young people in the county (by other providers)," she said.

"There are lots of activities not funded by us."

She added: "But I am in a review period with this, and I am listening."

After the meeting she said the likes of schools, the police, businesses and housing associations were being encouraged to provide activities instead.