THE chief executive of Mahdlo, Lucy Lees, has appealed for the town hall to review its decisions to cut its contribution to the renowned youth zone by half, from £400,000 to £200,000.

Council leaders confirmed at their budget meeting on Thursday night that the contribution would be slashed over two years, with £100,000 withdrawn immediately.

The charity says it is concerned over the timing and depth of the cuts.

The facility provides "seven-days-a-week development services for the town's young people, delivering support with health and wellbeing, identity and belonging, economic and financial success and personal safety as well as creativity and fun."

Ms Lees said: "Mahdlo has been told there is no way to challenge or reverse the decision, despite producing a wave of support and technical information to show the detrimental impact on Oldham’s young people.

"With the cuts being immediate, Mahdlo wants the council to review its decision and ease them in over a longer period of time."

She went on: “The council has protected our funding in the past, but to deliver a reduction of local authority money on top of a Covid-induced private sector funding reduction last year means young people are being excessively penalised.

"We would ask that the council review its decision and at the very least opt to incorporate cuts over a five-year not two-year period, allowing us to better reduce the negative impact on young people.”

Chris Wareing, chairman of Mahdlo, said: “The news that the council has ignored pleas to review the proposed cuts and to soften the 50 per cent reduction has left us shocked.

"Mahdlo is a lifeline for many, providing essential support to help future generations grow and reach their potential.

"There is no question we will move forward from this, but to absorb such an immediate and deep cut in funding has significantly increased the burden on young people.

“The charity’s collaborative private-public funding model is key to its future sustainability. Generous donors help the council yield a much higher return on their investment, but this must be a joint initiative to be a success. Local businesses are struggling; however, they are doing their best to ensure tomorrow’s generation don’t suffer.”