LANCASHIRE County Council has vowed a new youth worker at a successful Chorley youth club will be in place by mid-October.

The future of Astley Village Youth Club, based at Astley Village Community Centre, was hanging in the balance as reported in The Citizen.

But the council has reassured the community that the departure of the existing leader, who leaves on September 6, will not mean the closure of the club.

A spokesperson said: "We have no plans to get rid of the youth worker's post in Astley Village and are about to start the recruitment process to fill the vacancy following the recent resignation of the youth leader."

But Councillor Mark Perks, parish council chairman, is not convinced of the council's promise following a meeting with Grant Murdoch, youth service area director last Thursday. He said he was told it would be at least January before a new leader started because of recruitment procedures.

"I will be raising this at the next parish council because this will affect our successful youth club with over 60 children."

He has launched a petition, which has been backed by Chorley MP, Lindsay Hoyle, to secure the future of the youth club.

A county council spokesperson said: "We are keen to continue the success of the popular youth club."