A MOTION to reinvest thousands of pounds into St Albans Youth Council, which plays a key part in organising community events across the district, has been abandoned.

Councillor Mike Wakely, seconded by county councillor for Redbourn Maxine Crawley, proposed the district council pour at least £40,000 more into St Albans' town and parish councils, which have recently suffered because of money-saving cutbacks, at a full council meeting last month.

But after some consideration, the cabinet decided to refuse the motion.

The Review reported in September how cuts to the youth council's budget left it unable to replace a support worker, funded by the district council, who proved key in helping to arrange community events and other activites.

Tory Councillor Wakely, who represents Harpenden South, said: "St Albans District Council's cabinet confirmed they are abandoning any direct St Albans District Council staff support for their own Youth Council and instead rely only on distant county staff support.

"Government and residents applaud devolution but this cabinet goes in the opposite direction.

"The council happily agreed with all our statements that the youth of St Albans are our most valuable asset and our best ambassador to other youth to encourage democracy, but refuse direct help - they are all words and no action.

"The minutes of the St Albans Youth Council sadly detail the trouble with the loss of St Albans District Council staff support."

He added: "All totally opposite to that in Harpenden where direct staff support is given by the town council.

"Their involvement facilitated by the town officer includes the Harpenden Youth Council growing in numbers, producing a short DVD presentation sent to all schools encouraging democracy; free youth Summer Sounds music concert organised with StAlbans, Harpenden and African charities supported and organising projects including a competition for art designs for the inside of a pedestrian tunnel and other music and art entertainment.

"All helped with a Harpenden part-time, not-expensive but highly valued staff support.

"Meanwhile St Albans refuses any staff support. Harpenden may envy St Albans' fantastic potential but very sad they waste it and residents' money."

The Review is awaiting comment from the district council.