THE potential cuts to youth provisions in Skipton and Craven has quite rightly sparked frustration and concern among our local community, particularly those of us who have dedicated our efforts to improving safety and support for young people in the area (Council to consult on Sure Start centres in Craven, Craven Herald online, August 19). 

As someone who founded the Community Safety Working Group of Skipton Town Council, I am deeply concerned about the impact these potential cuts could have.

One of the objectives for the Community Safety Working Group was to enhance the safety and well-being of young people in Skipton by providing them with more resources, activities, and support networks.

However, these recent discussions about further reducing youth services have left me worried that these efforts could be undermined.

Cutting these services will only exacerbate the issues we're trying to solve. It's incredibly frustrating to see plans that could take away the very support that our young people desperately need.

Over the past decade, Skipton and Craven have witnessed a steady decline in youth services, with funding cuts forcing the closure of several vital facilities and programmes. In 2014, the Craven District had 15 youth clubs and centres, providing a safe space for over 1,200 young people weekly.

Today, only five remain, serving a reduced number of just 500 youths. This decline has not only left many young people without access to essential services but has also contributed to a rise in antisocial behaviour and mental health issues among the youth population.

Local statistics further highlight the urgency of the situation.

A report from the North Yorkshire Youth Partnership indicated a 30 percent increase in youth crime rates in Craven between 2018 and 2023, directly correlating with the reduction in youth service availability.

Moreover, recent surveys among young people in the area revealed that 42 percent of them in Skipton reported feeling isolated, citing the lack of accessible youth facilities as a significant factor.

These concerning trends underline the importance of maintaining, if not expanding, youth provisions.

For many young people in Skipton and Craven, these services are not just a luxury but a lifeline—offering them a place to learn new skills, receive guidance, and find community.

Reducing youth provisions at a time when they are more needed than ever is not just short-sighted—it's harmful.

Our young people deserve better, and it's our responsibility to ensure they have the opportunities and support they need to thrive.

As the community awaits the final decision on these potential cuts, the Community Safety Working Group and I are calling on local officials and residents to voice their opposition.

We are urging the public to consider the long-term impact that such decisions will have on the youth of Skipton and Craven, and to support efforts to safeguard and enhance these critical services.

In a time of increasing challenges for young people, the Community Safety Working Group and I remain committed to advocating for the resources and support that will ensure a safer, more inclusive future for all."

Brian McDaid, Skipton town councillor.

Gargrave