A TOTAL of £1m could be plugged into community-run youth services if county councillors give a plan the go-ahead next week.

Youth groups might be able to bid for money in the pool over two years from April as part of a new plan.

The county council said it is offering start-up funding, and hopes it would be used in the same way cash has been used by groups supporting families and young children.

Ian Hudspeth, county council leader, said: "People in their individual local areas, towns and villages know best what's good for their community and where they'd like to see improvements.

"It would be good to be able to offer teenagers in those communities the chance to have their own space to pursue their own interests and the company of other young people in a safe environment.

"Communiies and our own county councillors tell us that community-run youth services are really valued."

A total of £500,000 for the project would be brought in at the start of the 2019/20 financial year in April.

The rest of that would be used during 2020/21.

The policy will form part of the county council's budget for 2019/20, which is likely to be accepted by councillors at a meeting next Tuesday.

Mr Hudspeth added: "Oxfordshire is a county with a very active and dedicated voluntary sector."