MP PROTESTS OVER DAY CENTRE PLAN

Mr Baker said proposals which will go before East Sussex County Council's cabinet this morning (Tuesday) call for a 50 per cent cut in the Youth Development Services Budget offered to Community Colleges.

The remainder of the budget will not be controlled by the Colleges, but by local area groups.

Cabinet will also be asked to pass a motion rubber-stamping the closure of Avis Way Day Centre in Newhaven, which provides day services to those with disabilities in Newhaven.

'The proposed cuts to youth services would result in the loss of one full time youth worker, five part time youth workers, one member of administrative staff, and one cleaner in Ringmer alone. It is unclear whether there will be any replacement for this loss of provision.

'Closure of the Avis Way Day Centre would affect 45 people with learning difficulties who rely on the services offered by the centre,' he said.

Mr Baker commented: 'I am dismayed at these proposals. Cuts to Youth Development Services Budget would represent a significant loss to young people in the local area.

'I believe that the Council should be investing in youth, rather than cutting the provision of youth services. This can only force more young people onto street corners, with nothing productive to do.

'In regards to the closure of the Avis Way Day Centre, I believe it is a valuable facility and I strongly oppose it being closed. The Council seem to be ignoring the detrimental effect its closure would have on those who use it in proposing this heartless cut.

'I have written to the County Council urging these proposals to be rejected at tomorrow's Cabinet and I will do everything I can to prevent them being carried forward.'