Information centres for young people in Hertfordshire will have their opening hours cut as part of a drive to cut costs.

The network of YC Hertfordshire’s Access Points offer young people  a range of information and guidance services on issues as diverse as education, work, training, volunteering, drugs, sexual health and housing.

But now it’s emerged their opening hours will reduce by around a third next year, as part of a package of savings to be made by YC Hertfordshire.

And – although there has been an emphasis on the protection of front-line services – there will also be a reduction in the provision of youth projects.

Andy Manson, Hertfordshire County Council’s head of services for young people, said: “Young people told us they valued the opportunity to access high quality provision and support from YC Hertfordshire.

“Even though there will be a reduction in opening times, each district and borough will continue to have 16 weekly youth work projects, plus access points for high quality information, advice and guidance, access to sexual health services and support to those not in education, employment or training.

“Access Points opening times will reduce on average 30 per cent and youth project sessions will reduce to two hours.”

During 2017/18, 22,334 young people – aged between 11 and 24 – accessed services offered by YC Hertfordshire.

YC Hertfordshire ‘Access Points’ are located in Bishop’s Stortford, Borehamwood, Cheshunt, Hatfield, Hemel Hempstead, Letchworth, St Albans, Stevenage, Ware, Watford and Welwyn Garden City.

Full details of locations and opening times can be found at www.ychertfordshire.org.