THE axe could fall on a hugely successful Chorley youth club amid fears that its outgoing leader may not be replaced.

The Astley Village Youth Club was formed two years ago with the intention of halting juvenile nuisance and providing youngsters with productive pastimes.

The Monday-night club, which has 60 members, is run by two youth workers and a leader supplied by the county council. He resigned this week and a letter has been sent to the parish council casting doubt over the future of the post.

Police, councillors and community leaders are now fighting against its closure as they claim the club has been of great benefit to the area.

Borough councillor Mark Perks, who helped set up the club two years ago, said: "If support is withdrawn it will be a severe blow to young people in the village.

"We have been very successful and have attracted all sorts of funding which could all now go to waste.

"We cannot operate without the youth leader so if we do not get another one, we will have to close. It's incredibly disappointing." He is rallying support among local residents, councillors and youth club users and has arranged a meeting with youth service area director Grant Murdoch.

PC Rob Dainty, community beat officer for Astley Village said: "I've been to the youth club many times and the kids get great enjoyment out of it.

"It makes my job easier because it creates an easy contact point for me to talk to the teenagers who attend it.

"It has helped break down barriers between the police and youngsters I meet there often come up and talk to me on the street when I'm working. I'd certainly like it to stay open."

The club runs sessions for under 13s and for 13 to 16-year-olds. It has an impressive record for attracting funding, including a Football Foundation award to run a coaching development programme for two years, which is due to start in September. Its sports, drama, dance and community events have attracted support from across the borough.

A spokesman for the Lancashire Youth Services confirmed there was a county-wide review of staffing but said they were planning to fill the Astley Village post.