CALLS have been made to provide further support to a youth drop-in centre in Weymouth.

The Courts, based next to Wyke Regis Gardens on Portland Road, has provided a space for young people in the area to socialise since opening in March last year.

The centre, which was formerly a disused toilet block, includes a television, X-box, sound system and seating.

Youth workers are also on hand to provide advice to users, including how to lead healthier lifestyles.

Cllr Kate Wheller, who represents Wyke Regis for Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, opened the centre.

She said: “We are looking to show we are determined to keep The Courts drop-in open.

“It’s been demonstrated to have a really good effect on the community cohesion between older people and younger people in the area.

“Since it has been established, there has been a marked decrease in underage drinking in the gardens and in anti-social behaviour.

“The youngsters help with litter picking on a regular basis. There are no negative messages about the youth club at all.

“What we have to do is secure the funding to pay our youth workers who have built up a good rapport.”

Earlier this year, Dorset County Council agreed to withdraw funding for youth clubs across the county to save £1m from the youth services budget.

Clubs were invited to submit business plans by the end of March for different ways to run the clubs.

Despite indicating the centre wasn’t obligated to do that, Cllr Wheller said she had still presented a case to the county council, asking for financial help to pay workers and support running costs.

The centre originally opened after nearly £15,000 worth of funding was received. This was made up of grants from Synergy Housing and the Big Lottery Fund.

Cllr Wheller said: “What I want from the community is much more support from the parents of the young people who use and value the centre.

“We need more committee members. I’m looking for trustees as well.

“We need that buy-in from adults. We know we have got it from the youngsters. We need some buy-in from the parents.”

Pete Harper, a youth worker, said it would be a waste of public money if the service ended so soon after launching.

He said: “A lot of work went into getting the money in the first place.”

Tara Gool, another youth worker, said the drop-in received a large number of visitors, particularly during winter, with kids from a range of schools taking advantage of the service.

Chelsea Filkins, aged 13, said: “It’s very organised. It’s somewhere for us to go when it’s raining but we want to go out. The facilities are really good.”

Ellie Smith, aged 13, said: “It just gives us a place to go rather than being on the streets. The staff are really nice and respect us.”