THE Farmers’ Union of Wales has expressed its disappointment that the Young Farmers Club in Meirionnydd is likely to lose its grant funding worth approximately £20,000 annually.

Gwynedd County Council, who provide the grant through their Youth Service, are said to have to find savings of £270,000 to help address the authority’s “unprecedented financial shortfall” as a result of severe government cuts.

FUW president Glyn Roberts said: “We are extremely disappointed by this prospect and hope that Gwynedd County Council can find a way to keep funding this valuable youth movement.

"Meirionnydd YFC use this money to employ a full-time county organiser and without such a role, most YFC activities would come to an end, from eisteddfoddau to county rallies and livestock competitions.

“Of course, we understand that councils across Wales are under immense pressure due to funding cuts, but the service the YFC movement provides is invaluable."

Gwynedd Council is currently running a consultation on the future of youth services in the county.

Cllr Craig ab Iago, Gwynedd Council Cabinet member with responsibility for the youth service, said: “Like many other public services, the council faces a difficult financial situation. We presently support 39 traditional youth clubs in communities across the county, as well as providing annual grants to the Urdd, Eryri YFC, Meirionnydd YFC, Guides and Scouts at a cost of £995,300 a year.

The consultation is open until 22 December.

Read the full story in this Thursday’s north editions of the Cambrian News