FEARS over the future of a popular Bolton youth club have prompted a group of youngsters to launch a campaign to keep it open.

Zac’s Youth Bar has been running events, activities and one-to-one sessions for young people from its Farnworth base since 2000.

A second centre opened in 2012 in Kearsley with activities also taking place in other centres across Bolton, including Little Lever and Tonge Fold.

But with lockdown forcing the charity to make a number of redundancies and review their usual youth provision there are concerns the service may be forced to close.

“Zac’s Youth Bar are struggling massively for funding,” said Chloe Bent, 17, of Kearsley, who is one of the regulars behind the campaign.

“They are working tirelessly to keep us young people happy, but we’re losing so many valuable members of staff due to the lack of funding in which they’re receiving.

“I have been going to Zac’s for around five years and they have been like family since the day I stepped foot in that building. They’re the most loving and selfless people you will ever meet and are so appreciated by us young people.”

Chloe and a group of friends are now planning a number of fundraisers for Zac’s as they try to do all they can to help the club.

“We are planning on doing a 10 mile walk in the hope of receiving some donations to give to Zac’s,” she said. “We know it’s a long shot but we have to try because we can’t lose Zac’s - they are our family and family stick together to celebrate the highs and support each other in the lows.

“We won’t give up on Zac’s and won’t lose the youth club before putting up a fight.”

During lock down and the coronavirus crisis, Zac’s has been using using different platforms to stay in touch with youngsters.

“So many of us wouldn’t have got to where we are today without the perseverance, passion and determination from the youth workers, pushing us to be the best versions of ourselves and we are all eternally grateful,” added Chloe.

“Through this difficult time the staff have remained positive and determined to keep Zac’s running for us young people including virtual sessions on zoom and socially distanced detached sessions within the community.

“They have been our light in our darkest of times and have guided us through this difficult year with a smile on their face.” forever providing a listening ear , they are real life superheroes and all us young people are so proud.”

A gofundme page has been set upin support of Zac’s here: https://gf.me/u/ynmpmp