PLANS are being drawn up to set up a youth trust to run and support activities for Trafford’s youngsters.

Cllr John Lamb, Trafford’s Conservative executive member for communities and partnerships, said the proposal - which has all-party support - is ‘positive news’.

It was discussed at a recent meeting at Manchester United’s ground attended by more than 30 youth groups and service providers.

Labour’s Cllr Jo Harding said they were behind the initiative – but said it needs to be implemented urgently to cope with ‘drastic cuts’ to the borough’s youth service.

The 2015/16 budget has seen cutbacks of £21.5m.

The youth trust proposal is being taken forward by Trafford’s stronger communities board.

Cllr Lamb said: “Like many councils across the country we recognise that we will not be in a position in the future to continue to provide our own youth service as we have in the past. “The establishment of a youth trust is an exciting idea that could oversee the creation of services that even surpass those currently available but working with partners and working together is the key to success.

“A youth trust is a possible model for the future, a model that recognises the wonderful contribution that many organisations already make.

“I believe that by working truly collaboratively and creatively together we can create and deliver superlative services for Trafford’s younger citizens.

That must be our goal.”

Cllr Jo Harding, Labour's shadow executive member for communities and partnerships, said: "Trafford Labour continues to be absolutely committed to protecting youth services across the borough.

“Kate Green MP hosted a meeting of youth organisations before Christmas to discuss the drastic cuts to the youth service in Trafford and how the sector could respond.

“The council has at last begun to take steps to create a youth trust, and Labour would work with the trust to ensure we deliver the best possible youth provision in the borough, but the clock is ticking with services left without funding from March, and we need urgent action from the council.

“We will continue to put pressure on the council and scrutinise all their decisions which affect the young people of Trafford.”