A YOUTH centre is being forced to pay to use a small piece of road that leads to the building by Stroud District Council.

The council charges Woodfield youth centre in Cam £54 a year to use the road, plus £85 for a three year licence.

However the club, which is a charity and has limited funds, can barely afford to pay the annual fee this year.

District councillor for Cam West and member of the youth club committee, John Fowles, said the decision was "despicable".

"The youth club building is quite expensive to run and maintain and we are struggling to keep it in order," said Cllr Fowles.

"The central heating boiler needs replacing for example. This will delay that and stop us buying more equipment for the young people to use."

The youth club, which is used by about 30 teenagers, will have to pay £140 this year to use the small strip of tarmac that goes from Frederick Thomas Road to the entrance gates of the club building.

The building costs and the equipment are paid for by occasionally renting out the hall and from grants from a range of bodies, including Cam Parish Council.

The treasurer of the club, Wendy Mack, said: "The amount we have to pay might not seem like a lot but the club isn't very well off at the moment, so every little helps."

Cllr Fowles wrote to the council in November to ask for the costs to be waived but was told this was not possible.

"I am very disappointed with the council's decision," said Cllr Fowles.

"It's only about 20 yards of tarmac but there is no access to the youth club on foot or by car except across this land - and the council insists that it costs them money every year to draw up a legal agreement to allow the youth club members to cross the land."

A spokesman for Stroud District Council said: "We have 20 or so similar agreements across the district. This agreement has been in place since 1981.

"The fee has always been discounted in view of the club's charitable status and has not increased in real terms.

"It does not cover our costs. We understand the club's position and are happy to take a look at the situation."