The fight to save the county’s youth centres steps up a gear today.

Young people have told the Oxford Mail about the important role the centres play in our communities.

But today Thames Valley Police has also spoken out against Oxfordshire County Council’s plans to stop funding 21 venues.

Insp Graham Dix, who is responsible for youth justice and engagement, said the police had not been consulted about the cuts.

He said: “The loss of those services would mean more opportunities for young people to get involved in crime and antisocial behaviour, so we would oppose their closure.”

We wholeheartedly echo his sentiments.

The cuts would save £4.2m a year. Some 20 out of 43 libraries will also lose funding, although the council has set aside £200,000 to help volunteers. But no money will be available for youth centres.

The proposal should not be regarded as a sign of complete social meltdown on the streets.

But we should also not underestimate how cherished these youth centres are, nor the great job they do.

Youngsters claim their peers will be drawn to violence, vandalism, underage drinking and sex without the support of youth workers.

Council leader Keith Mitchell is hoping schools and volunteers could run services.

He added: “I hope we can have some confidence in youngsters and that we won’t get an increase in antisocial behaviour.”

It seems somewhat misguided to have to rely on the goodwill of young people not to cause problems.

Youth centres are vital and we may not fully realise their importance until they are gone.