HUNDREDS of people have signed a petition urging Dudley Council to rethink plans to bring in voluntary organisations to run youth clubs for disabled youngsters.

The authority said some "difficult decisions" have had to be made around the borough's youth services as part of a savings programme.

As a result, the 17 youth workers currently running sessions at Lower Gornal Youth Centre, The Source Youth Centre in Wordsley and Stourbridge Children's Centre have been told their jobs are at risk - although Councillor Anne Millward, cabinet member for children’s services, stressed no firm decisions had been made, adding: "We are still consulting."

An e-petition has been launched objecting to the proposals - and within 24 hours more than 400 people had added their signatures.

Samuel Colley, who started the petition, said: "We believe these cuts will be hugely detrimental to the young people and their families/carers.

"Young people accessing this service are the most vulnerable within the borough."

He added that the proposals would "likely result in young people being further isolated from the community” and said they would “miss out on opportunities to socialise, meet new people and develop new skills".

Campaigners have got the full support of Dudley North MP Ian Austin, who has vowed to do "all he can" to get the council to reconsider.

He said he was "very concerned" about the effect the proposed changes could have on the dozens of disabled youngsters who attend, adding: "The youth workers do a great job, they provide a valuable service to many youngsters and it’s unacceptable that Dudley Council are putting this at risk.

"Many have worked for years with disabled youngsters, running sessions to help disabled young people socialise and learn new skills.

“I’ll be working with parents, young people and campaigners to do all I can to get the council to think again."

To sign the petition, click here.

People can also follow the 'Campaign to save dudley youth services' Facebook page.