A YOUTH shelter could be sited in Kings Road, Dorchester, after getting support from Dorset Police.

The proposal is expected to meet with approval at a meeting of Dorchester Town Council's recreational activities panel tomorrow.

In a letter to the town council, Inspector Les Fry of Dorchester Police, said the site was more desirable than the alternative location at Salisbury Fields.

He said: "After visiting the Kings Road playing field site it is felt that this would be more desirable due to its location - it being accessible for police patrols, is in a reasonably well-lit area, and is currently used by young people participating in the multi-use play area.

"I believe that such a facility would be for the benefit and wellbeing of the young people in our community as there are limited resources for young people in the Dorchester area."

Inspector Fry said a community support officer had visited the other proposed site at Salisbury Fields but felt it was not appropriate for a youth shelter due to past incidents reported by residents of low-level anti-social and nuisance behaviour.

Other reasons included very poor lighting and limited access for the purposes of police patrols.

In a report, deputy town clerk Steve Newman, said the approximate cost of equipment for the youth shelter would be between £6,000 to £10,000.

He said: "Members have previously expressed a desire to increase provision for older children and if the panel agrees to locate a youth shelter at Kings Road playing fields then it might be opportune to consider extending the existing sports arena equipment at the same time."