YOUNGSTERS in Weymouth will have a new place to spend their time after a disused toilet block was transformed into a youth drop-in centre.

The building on Portland Road, in Wyke Regis, was renovated after local campaigners received nearly £15,000 worth of funding to create the new centre, which will be called The Courts.

Synergy Housing contributed a grant of £8,183 to the project and the Big Lottery Fund gave a grant of £6,701 to allow complex work to be carried out on the former loos, before it was transformed into the youth centre.

Local firm Remarkable Carpets also provided and laid new flooring while furniture and equipment, including an X-Box, a television, sound system and seating has been purchased with a youth opportunities grant.

The Courts, which was given its name by the youngsters who will use the centre, was opened by outgoing Mayor of Weymouth and Portland Borough Council Kate Wheller and a group of the new centre’s users.

Cllr Wheller said: “A lot of effort has gone in to making it a positive place for young people to come to, where they can relax and get advice on healthy lifestyles.

“Many local young people are already enjoying the benefits of the drop-in centre and attended the official opening to express their gratitude.”

Also available at the new centre is a loan system for young people, who can borrow sporting equipment like footballs, tennis bats and balls and basketballs which can then be used at nearby play areas.

The opening of The Courts brings an end to a long-running battle to renovate the centre for young people, which was spearheaded by former ward councillor for Wyke Regis Geoff Petherick.

Mr Petherick, chairman of the Beaches Youth Centre, masterminded the project alongside Synergy Housing and applied for funding to allow the refurbishment of the toilets to take place.

Cllr Wheller added: “I am very grateful to the youth workers for all their hard work and perseverance and special thanks should go to Geoff Petherick who worked so hard over many years in support of the youth club.”