A LANCASHIRE county councillor is urging residents to help save an activity camp which faces closure as part of millions of pounds of cuts to the area.

Pendle West county councillor Christian Wakeford has started a campaign to help save the Whitehough Outdoor Education Centre, known as ‘Camp School’.

MORE TOP STORIES:

The centre in Barley has served generations of children from Pendle and beyond and has twenty acres of grounds including playing fields and woodland.

Camp School can accommodate up to 64 occupants, who can take part in a variety of activities including kayaking, mountain biking, archery and learn survival skills.

Councillor Wakeford said: “The leader of the council has advised resources will be targeted towards those with the greatest need.

“Whitehough is an essential resource for all young people, but particularly the disadvantaged children from the East of the County.

“The decision to close the Camp School and adversely affect the very communities that she is wanting to protect just rubbishes this entire strategy.

“If schools had to arrange transport to the remaining Outdoor Activity Centres provided by the county council, this could potentially out price the experience for many of the deprived families which the Council is wanting to help.

“I would urge all residents who have had a positive experience of the Camp School, or have heard the excited stores of their children who have attended to get in touch and help us Save Our Camp School.”

The centre would close on August 31 next year as part of closure of half of East Lancashire’s libraries and two museums.

Leader of Lancashire County Council Jennifer Mein said following last week’s announcement: “These are the most challenging times for local government in living memory as we face the combination of relentless central government cuts and rising demand for our services, particularly those serving vulnerable people.

“The reality of our financial situation is such that we will have to use the bulk of our reserves just to balance the budget over the next two years.

“And by 2017/18, we will just have enough money to pay for statutory services.

“Our priority will remain to protect the most vulnerable people in Lancashire.

“We will do all that we can .”