WORCESTERSHIRE County Council's decision to demolish Malvern Youth Centre and sell off the land for development defies belief, and is all the more outrageous in light of the fact that they have no significant proposal as to what (if any) replacement facility will take its place.

In such economically straitened times as these, the Youth Centre is needed now as never before. With the rise in tuition fees forcing many youngsters to reconsider higher or further education, and with business closures and redundancies making it harder for school leavers to find jobs or apprenticeships, this invaluable facility is one of the few local places available where they can learn new skills, participate in projects and increase their personal development. The County Council simply have no moral right to brazenly deprive the youth of this town of such a vital resource - nobody disputes the need for financial cuts in the present economic climate, but to target the young in such a callous manner is not only unforgivable but wicked.

If WCC had any regard for the health and vibrancy of our community, they would not only be supporting the continuation of the Youth Centre, but would also be exploring options in partnership with community and voluntary groups to expand the facility into becoming a full blown Community Centre, which Malvern so desperately needs. But no - the lure of the corporate sponsorship that South Worcestershire College would bring cancels out any such consideration.

There are certain Colonel Blimps and maiden aunts in our community who grumble that youngsters have plenty of opportunity for sports activities locally. It may surprise them to learn that many young people aren't interested in sport - this does not make them layabouts or juvenile delinquents, but sociable and enquiring people whose horizons are broader, and whose needs more relevant to society, than those opportunities offered by sports halls.

As we move further into Spring, I shall be following developments regarding the future of the Youth Centre with great concern. However much the local authority may be happy to see Malvern once and for all become one gigantic retirement village, the plain fact is that it home to people of all ages, including very many youngsters whose needs should be being protected rather than disregarded.

OWEN MORGAN, Cowleigh Road, Malvern.