Somerset Tories Ditch Cameron's 'Hug a Hoodie' approach to Young People

2.48.02pm GMT Mon 1st Feb 2010

A few short months ago, Tory Leader David Cameron launched with a fanfare, the Conservative Party's new and softer approach to young people, under the slogan; "Hug a Hoodie".

Making it clear that they don't share his viewpoint, Somerset Tories have launched a damaging attack on youth provision throughout the county in their range of budget cuts.

Among the hardest hitting reductions in budgets for the coming year are; over £3m from necessary building work to prevent classrooms falling down and hundreds of thousands of pounds from youth work.

Liberal Democrat Opposition Leader Jill Shortland commented:

"By making these cuts to services for children and young people, the Conservatives at County Hall show a poorly thought-out and short-term approach that could cost communities far more in the long run. Withdrawing support for vulnerable young people is at odds with David Cameron's views on providing for the next generation.

"To take just one example, there is already precious little to occupy youngsters in the towns of a rural county such as ours, let alone the villages, so it is shameful that Taunton - our county town - will not now have a Youth Centre for young people. These cuts could well contribute to an increase in anti-social behaviour or even, under-age drinking. Certainly, we will all see more young people on the streets with nothing to do. Tories are also cutting the budget for Police Community Support Officers, who help to prevent under-age drinking and set up youth diversion activities.

It all makes me wonder what the Somerset Conservatives will do next."

ENDS