A YOUTH centre has been closed for three months, but a councillor fears it could shut permanently after being left to fall into a state of disrepair.

Warndon county councillor John Buckley says Warndon Youth Centre in Chedworth Drive, Warndon, Worcester, could close for good after Worcestershire County Council announced a temporary, three-month closure. A spokesman for the county council confirmed the heating system was broken and there were problems with flooding from beneath the foundations.

However the heating system in the annex, used for health drop-in meetings, is still working.

Coun Buckley said: "It is highly-probable that the centre will be closed for good."

Coun Buckley also believes discussions are taking place to sell the land, but a spokesman for the council said this option was not being considered at the moment - although he could not rule it out in future.

Coun Buckley is due to meet with youth workers and Worcestershire County Council officers on Friday, January 24, to discuss a solution.

Cheryl Thrasher, senior youth worker at the centre, confirmed that staff began moving files and projects to the community centre in Shap Drive, run by Worcester City Council, yesterday.

She said: "The centre is just closed for the short term."

Warndon's city councillor Pam Clayton said: "The young people need and deserve this centre. This is an area of the greatest need, otherwise the young people would be on the streets."

A spokesman for Worcestershire County Council said the council was committed to long-term youth provision in Warndon and there were no plans to make cuts as part of the council's £25m savings.