"WHEN people ask if I put on my body armour before I go into Townsend it makes me really angry because I probably feel safer here than I do in most other areas of Bournemouth," said Natalie Cresswell.

Before taking up her post as one of two full-time youth workers at the estate's new youth centre, Natalie was based at neighbouring Muscliff and had heard all about Townsend's tarnished past.

"The estate had a reputation and I was a bit nervous because of all the things that people said about it," she confessed.

"But, having worked here with the kids, I realise they are just like any other youngsters on any other estate. The problem was that they didn't have anywhere to go so they congregated on the streets and got into trouble.

"Now the youth centre has given them their own identity. They have been involved since the fund-raising stage, helping to draw up plans, choose the colour scheme, equipment, carpets and furnishings. Simply giving them their own space has made all the difference.

"Adults are not allowed in the building - unless they are invited - and we have very strict rules banning drugs and alcohol."

The statistics speak for themselves. Since Natalie and youth worker Andy Homer started working at the centre on September 13 crime on Townsend has fallen by a quarter.

The Daily Echo revealed earlier this week how the success of the youth centre was among several factors being credited with the dramatic turnaround.

Community beat bobby PC Mike Lowther said the £400,000 venue for eight- to 25-year-olds, had already had "an enormous impact" on the estate's crime figures, which fell 25 per cent from October to December 2004.

Today it's hard to believe that Townsend once suffered the loss of its bus service, payphone and post box following a spate of vandalism.

Senior youth worker Alan Farmer, who is employed by Bournemouth Youth Service, said four years of hard work by the Townsend Youth Partnership charity was finally paying off.

"Youngsters used to get together in two cramped rooms at the back of the community centre. The facilities were totally inadequate and the only place for a confidential chat was the toilet.

"I always knew there was a need for a purpose-built youth centre and, with the help of local people, churches and various agencies, it has finally all come together.

"The centre was built on council land and we have a 25-year lease with a peppercorn rent. It's right in the middle of the estate and we are eventually hoping the club will be open seven days and nights a week."

Former marine engineer Andy believes Townsend's biggest problems now are poverty and unemployment. "There's a high rate of unemployment among young people on the estate," he said.

"We've even heard of one employer who refused to send out an application form for a job when he heard the applicant was from Townsend.

"We have a job club and help members build up their confidence, fill in forms and find work. A lot of young people don't eat a properly balanced diet or have basic food hygiene skills.

"Being hungry is a barrier to learning and we are trying to educate them through our Food For Thought sessions on Wednesday afternoons."

Centre user Ricky Colegate, 18, said: "We used to meet outside the shop and got into trouble because we had nothing to do. Having this base really helps. As well as giving me something to do I'm getting help to find a job."

Member Ed Lloyd, 17, said the centre had changed his life. "Having somewhere to meet has made a big difference. It's made Townsend a much nicer place to live."

The One Stop store, once a magnet for teenagers with nowhere else to meet, is next-door.

Manager Rocky McDonnell said: "Things have been much quieter since the youth club opened.

"My staff used to refuse to work late shifts because they were worried about the youngsters who congregated outside in the evenings.

"The youth club has definitely helped. It has given them something to do, instead of milling around outside the shop. The difference is unbelievable. The kids have got what they wanted and they have responded positively."

Pauline May, a committee member at the adjacent community centre, agreed that the tide had finally turned on Townsend.

"We've no problems here at all. Everything has quietened down," she said. "A couple of troublemakers have moved off the estate and that has probably helped, along with the youth centre."

First published: January 31