STAFF at a pioneering Bolton project opened by Princess Anne are on the verge of losing their jobs.

The BYPASS centre and Bolton Bond Board set up to help young people will have to close unless funding is found soon.

Last night Bolton's social services chairman Ken Peters made a personal plea to his colleagues to help save the project.

Government funding for the work of the Newport Street centre is running out and there are fears council cash will dry up next year when the town hall makes over £5 million cuts. Cllr Peters said staff who carry out a number of projects at the centre were on the verge of getting 90 day notices.

"This is a very valuable project but the money is running out."

"It has done a lot to keep young people of the streets and I hope during the next round of meetings my colleagues on housing, education and other committees can find £10,000 each to save it."

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