GROUPS and clubs which use Barnoldswick Youth Centre are to form a community association to try to fight possible charges from Lancashire County Council.

The groups, including a computer group, art group, Bridge club and painting group, held a meeting with Barnoldswick councillors to discuss their concerns.

They had asked representatives from Lancashire County Council to attend the meeting, but they decided not to send anybody.

Coun David Whipp, who chaired the meeting, said: “A number of the groups who use the centre are concerned that the introduction of any charges would threaten the valuable work they do.

“We wanted Lancashire County Council to come to the meeting but the powers that be at county hall declined to do so.”

The county council has launched a review of the policy which would have seen some groups charged for using community or youth centres.

Coun Whipp said: “It seems crazy that groups that are helping the county council with what they are supposed to be doing could be charged.

“The groups who use the youth centre are going to form a community association to try and strengthen their position.

“It will hopefully help attract other users to the youth centre and also help them with funding, or fighting any charges that are brought in.”

Coun Geoff Driver, the leader of the county council, ordered a review of the new charges in November following a raft of complaints and protests.

Until that review is complete centre users will be charged pre-September rates.