A MAJOR consultation on the future of youth services in Wiltshire has just a week to run.

Around 1,700 young people have responded to the review using an online survey. Their views and feedback from special focus groups, schools, youth centres and voluntary organisations will be considered by Wiltshire Council leaders on May 15 when a decision will be made.

The authority plans to cut £250,000 from the youth service budget and is asking for opinions on four options – retaining the current service but with reduced funding, outsourcing the service, encouraging the staff to form a public service mutual to run it or handing it over to local volunteers to run.

Laura Mayes, cabinet member for children’s services said: “I’ve been to area board meetings across the county and spoken to people of all ages and I have been impressed by the ideas put forward. No decisions have yet been made and I would urge people to have their say before the consultation closes on April 14.”

The council’s preferred option is the fourth, however it has pledged to continue co-ordinating activities for young people with learning difficulties and disabilities.

Visit sparksite.co.uk to read about the options and take the survey.