Campaigners aiming to keep Linwood in Deal open are stepping up their fight and have launched a petition to Save Our Youth Services in Kent.

The move follows the county council's start of consultation into its proposals to slash its budget by £1 million for young people's services across the county.

, Mill Road, as a big disappointment while Cllr Gordon Cowan has called the move an absolute disgrace.Linwood Youth CentreDeal Mayor Cllr Jim Cronk has described the possible closure of

Now members of Deal Town Council have joined forces to condemn the budget cuts by launching a petition to say no to the proposals.

She said: "Linwood is an extremely successful centre and the building is well used by various groups as well as being an excellent base for young people.

"For the youth of our area the loss of Linwood would be horrendous and I understand it is not unusual for 100 young people to be at the centre."

Details of the consultation are available at www.kent.gov.uk/youth and comments can be made via the website, email, telephone and in writing. The Save Our Youth Services in Kent petition can be signed in the town centre on Friday.

* For full story read the East Kent Mercury.