YOUNG people aged 15 to 24 are being asked whether checks for a sexually transmitted infection should continue.

Oxfordshire County Council is proposing changes to its chlamydia services, currently delivered by the National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP).

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the UK and is passed from one person to another through unprotected sex.

Since 2008, the NCSP has been commissioned by the county council to control the disease through early detection and treatment.

But the council said: “There has never been consensus on the strength of evidence for the NCSP’s introduction.”

In 2006 the UK National Screening Committee (UKNSC), which advises the Government and the NHS, said population-based screening for chlamydia should not be introduced.

The county council added: “Professional opinion has evolved over time... and advisors in our services agree the current model should be reviewed.”

It said Oxfordshire had ‘struggled’ to hit targets to reduce the level s of chlamydia but infections detected here also remained low.

A consultation on the changes closes next Friday. To comment, visit: consultations.oxfordshire.gov.uk/consult.ti/Chlamydia_services