A YOUTH service in Birmingham is being forced to close sparking fears it could lead vulnerable youngsters into gang culture and crime.

The youth scheme at St Paul’s Community Development Trust in Hertford Street, Balsall Heath, will close at the end this month.

More than 100 youngsters, many from poor backgrounds and who have fallen out of mainstream education, attend its youth clubs, sports sessions, drop-in events and employment training classes every week.

But the £100,000 required annually to keep the service running is being cut by central and local Government.

Youth team coordinator Sarah Gallagher is among the six staff who will be losing their jobs but fears more for the ten to 25-year-olds who rely on the Trust’s activities and advice.

She said: “It’s quite scary what will happen to these guys.

“There’s no other youth provision in Balsall Heath and many don’t like travelling to other areas because of the gang-related problems with post codes.

“They are vulnerable and at risk of falling into crime and have older siblings that have fallen into trouble.

“They’re asking me ‘what am I going to do?’ and I don’t know what to tell them.”