SHROPSHIRE Council has put out for tender the provision of youth services in Ludlow and Bishop's Castle.

The council wants to hear from local organisations or individuals interested in providing youth activities for 10 to 19-year-olds and those up to 24-year-of-age for individuals with learning difficulties, in a number of towns including Ludlow and Bishop's Castle.

From tomorrow Shropshire Council will no longer directly deliver youth services, but will instead allocate money to the county’s Local Joint Committees (LJCs).

They will make use of local experience and knowledge to make recommendations on the provision of youth services in their areas that meet local needs.

Over the past few months LJCs have been talking to young people and local communities to get a better understanding of what activities people would like to see delivered in their areas.

Now, applications are sought to provide youth activities within a limited number of areas.

In the Ludlow area the tender specification is to provide two youth sessions each week during term time for young people aged between 10 and 13 years and for those aged from 14 to 18 years.

But in Bishop's Castle it is just for one session a week in the town during term time for young people aged between 10 and 16 years.

The controversial decision to outsource youth services throughout Shropshire has been heavily criticised but the council says that it will provide new opportunities.

“We anticipate that by commissioning youth activities the capacity of the community and voluntary sector will increase,” said Ann Hartley, Shropshire Council’s cabinet member for children’s services.

“This is really positive for these areas and providers as this is funding that has not previously been available in these areas.

“I would encourage any groups interested in proving youth activities in these areas to apply.

“Our aim is to ensure that as many young people as possible can continue to access a wide range of activities after school, at weekends and in school holidays, to support their well-being, development of personal and social education and preparation for adulthood.”

Ludlow Town Council has expressed an interest in Ludlow Youth Centre in the event of Shropshire Council deciding to sell the facility.