SEALAND Manor youngsters have been dealt a double blow weeks after their play area was vandalised - funding has been cut for their youth worker. The worker, provided by the county council and funded by Sealand Community Council, held a youth club for 11-to 25-year-olds every Tuesday at the community centre. The community council made the decision in a vote at its finance meeting held to set the Council Tax precept. Clerk Peter Richmond said the funding, about £2,000-a-year, was only ever temporary. But the decision leaves that age group with just a drop-in on a Thursday night run by dads. Their play area, which suffered £2,500 damage in January, is yet to be repaired. Sealand Manor Kids Club secretary Mary Southall said: 'It's very disappointing when people realise all the trouble we have had over the past few weeks.' Deeside Insp Sacha Hatchett, said: 'From a policing perspective, Sealand Manor was the subject of a dispersal order two years ago. 'I would have concerns that if you take away the youth engagement and the anti-social behaviour would increase.' Clerk Mr Richmond stressed the council never promised to fund the youth worker beyond March 31 - the end of the financial year and said not all councillors attended the meeting at which the precept was kept the same. He said the county would not fund the youth worker because they fund one in Garden City. Vandalism to street lighting in Sealand Manor has taken up a huge chunk of the council's budget, he said. Mr Richmond said: 'We have to pay for the energy, insurance, maintenance and repairs and that's unfortunately where our money is going.' A county council spokesman said: 'The decision to discontinue funding is a matter for Sea-land Community Council.' | 
