AN Upton youth club is in danger of folding if its funding is stopped, says one of its coordinators.

Upton Youth Forum is facing an uncertain future as doubt is cast over whether its £6,000 a year funding from the county council will continue past next year.

James Oliver, a coordinator of the youth club, says action is being taken against the cuts which could mean there is no money in the pot to pay staff.

Club members, parents and its coordinators have provided Worcestershire County Council with an evidence board, detailing the benefits it provides to the town.

Mr Oliver, who is also a youth pastor of Upton Baptist Church which hosts the club's sessions, said: "Losing the funding will have a real impact, it could mean we don't have the money to hire staff and keep it going.

"There is not always a lot do in Upton, so this club is vital in providing people with opportunities and activities.

"It's a very important service, and we are trying to fight the cuts."

The club runs two sessions on a Friday night, catering for children aged between 10 and 18 years old. It also runs an adult football team, called Upton Cornerstone.

All of which sees around 50 people using the service a week, but it has been known to cater for up to 70 people in one night.

The council spent £3 million on activities for children in 2010, but has since reduced the figure to £1 million.

As of 2016, it intends to reduce this to nothing.

Mr Oliver says the loss of funding would mean the church would have to raise funds itself which "would not be easy" in order to pay for equipment, travel costs with the football team and running costs, as well as staff.

He also says since the club was established four years ago, anti-social behaviour in the town has reduced.

"There is a concern crime will rise again if the club is no longer there, as we have evidence suggesting the club has reduced crime.

"This shows how important it is" he said.

The council will consider the matter in September, it has been confirmed.

Councillor John Campion, cabinet member for children and families, said: "The positive feedback is welcomed, and in line with our commissioning intentions and our monitoring of the specific provision being made in Upton.

"We are engaging with our youth sector partners to establish how we can best work together to ensure there is sufficient provision for those young people that most need it.

"The aim is to work with our partner organisations towards a new model of provision that is less reliant on funding from the county council, and therefore, more sustainable in the longer term."