BUCKLAND Youth Club in Newton Abbot is to close as part of County Hall cuts, it was revealed today (May 29).

The decision to shut down the popular community centre club was immediately condemned as 'total lunacy' by local county councillor Gordon Hook.

He complained: 'This is simply a dreadful anti-social decision which has been made as a consequence of the budget cuts being introduced by the Conservative administration at Devon County Council.

'It is both short-sighted and a false economy. It will deprive our young people of a structured and trusted outlet and cause more to spend time on the streets, with perhaps unfortunate consequences.'

He vowed to do all he could to fight the closure.

'It is an outrage to close such a major facility on a deprived estate. It's nothing short of total lunacy. It really does beggar belief that the council administration can be so negative and short-sighted,' he blasted.

Mr Hook was told of the 'bad' news by Pippa St John Cooper, of Devon Youth Services.

She confirmed that the 'unfortunate' news was as a result of the review of youth services across the county and 'recruitment restrictions.'

Some 50 youths on the estate are members of the club which is set to close its doors on June 30.

Pippa St John Cooper said: 'I have not taken this decision lightly. However, in order to ensure that both staff and young people stay safe there is no alternative other than shutting down this provision at Buckland Community Centre.'

She said the council would do its utmost to ensure young people in the area could access other facilities locally such as The Junction.