THE loss of Machynlleth’s youth club is a “devastating loss” for the town, mayor Tony Jones has insisted.

Under changes agreed by Powys County Council there will no longer be a “traditional youth club” in the town, with the council instead saying there will be “targeted provision and support through local schools”.

But the council’s decision, aimed at saving £550,000 over the next three years, has been met with dismay by Cllr Jones and Machynlleth county councillor Michael Williams.

Cllr Jones said: “We had a great youth club in Machynlleth itself. It’s a devastating loss to the town.

“I think we need to help our youngsters now more than we did years ago and the youth club was a way of doing that.”

Cllr Williams said that, while he was disappointed by the decision, he hoped that youngsters in Machynlleth would still be able to benefit from services and facilities in the town.

He said: “Now that the council has made the decision, I hope it does work for the sake of the young people.

See this week’s Machynlleth & Llanidloes edition for the full story, in shops and online now