Councillors in Oswestry will be asked to approve a contract that will set out youth services in the town with immediate effect at tonight's full town council.

The contract, between the town council and Shropshire Youth Association (SYA), will begin on September 1 and is expected to run until March 31, 2021.

The move to confirm the contract has come after Shropshire Council confirmed it would make a financial contribution to youth services in Oswestry, at around £9,000, although not yet confirmed.

In a report to the town council, clerk Arren Roberts believes it is vital to get services up-and-running as soon as possible.

"The council as a commissioner, and SYA as the provider, recognise that there is a need to begin to provide support for young people as soon as practicably possible.

"Plans will need to be flexible and will need to be adapted as situations arise; however, subject to confirmation by this council, and any changes to government advice, the contract with SYA will commence on September 1, 2020."

Initially, the youth work will be two sessions of youth work weekly as per the contract, adapted for Covid-19 social distancing by meeting outside in the first instance, and then being allowed back into the Centre.

The junior club will be from 4.45-6.45pm and the senior drop in 7-9pm. Social inclusion football will restart subject to Covid-19 advice on sporting activity

Discussions are ongoing with Shropshire Council regarding the re-opening of the Centre.

A 'Covid Ready' risk assessment for SYA (using the Government template) has been completed and will be subject to review.

The plans come after the impact of Covid-19 on Shropshire Council's proposed changes to the delivery of support for young people across Shropshire.

The report submitted to and agreed by cabinet in January recommended a phased implementation of a team of detached youth workers across the county, whose aim would be to focus on our vulnerable young people at risk of exploitation and criminal activity.

Other items on the agenda also include discussing possible changes to the planning system nationally through the National Association of Local Councils; agreeing minutes from July's full town council meeting and a recent planning meeting; considering a revised budget from the impact of Covid-19; and whether to agree to a request from Alan Stokes, from Stokes Fun Fair, about whether he can place a limited number of rides in Cae Glas Park over the bank Holiday Weekend.

The meeting is on zoom from 7pm at https://usO2web.zoom.us/i/88314913598 ID: 883 1491 3598