Tory MP in teen talks (From The Bolton News)

Tory MP in teen talks

8:57pm Monday 22nd October 2007 in

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TORY frontbencher Francis Maude chatted to youngsters in Hall i'th' Wood about plans which will see 3,500 borough teenagers handed £35 a month to keep off the streets.

Mr Maude chatted to five young people involved in a Bolton Lads and Girls Club project which has been backed the party's parliamentary candidate for Bolton North-east, Deborah Dunleavy.

The shadow cabinet office minister, in Bolton for a fundraising dinner for Ms Dunleavy's campaign, was told only some of the youngsters involved in the project would be likely to qualify for the grant.

From April, Bolton will be one of nine towns piloting the scheme, which was opposed by Ms Dunleavy in a fringe speech at the recent party conference.

The money will go to youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds, such as those in care or those receiving free school meals.

She said: "I am pleased that Francis was able to join me to see how money allocated to this scheme could be better spent.

"It is places like the Lads and Girls Club that provide excellent services for these young people - a £35 voucher will not encourage the town's young people to partake in similar services."