A petition to save Fenland District Council Youth Council from the chop has attracted 130 signatures.

The petition has been launched following the council’s proposal to save £56,000 by axing its youth wing which began 10 years ago. The bulk of the cost goes on officer time provided by the district council.

Ben Martin and Charlotte Brenchley have launched the petition and are urging others to sign “to change something you care about”.

The two youngsters said: “Due to recent Government budget cuts, Fenland District Council has decided to end the youth district council, a young person’s council since 2006, which represents over 20,000 young people around Fenland.

“We financially support a wide range of youth groups across Fenland, from boxing clubs to sea cadets.

“We’ve organised and run events, such as the popular Democracy Day, where we have educated hundreds of young people about the values of democracy.

“Without the YDC, how can young people in Fenland have a voice?”

Dr Siya Sharman signed their petition and added the comment that “the youth district council is an investment not an expense.

“This is about building the future, not about a budget.”

Mike Forrest of Wisbech wrote: “I believe that the youth district council does a good job in offering tremendous and necessary support for the young people of Fenland. It also gives them a voice.

The youth district council consists of elected members of Sir Harry Smith College, Cromwell Community College, Thomas Clarkson Academy, Neale Wade Academy and Wisbech Grammar School.

It was formed in to give a voice to the young people living and studying in Fenland.