Published: Wednesday, 15th October, 2008 2:30pm

Youth centre cash boost will help reduce crime

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A struggling youth centre which has helped to reduce crime has been handed a much needed financial life-line.

The kids from Moorpark in Renfrew are cheering this week after Renfrewshire Council handed them a whopping £10,000 cheque to keep up the good work.

Staff use up £500 every month just by paying the bills and say the cash will help to keep youngsters away from fighting and drinking on streets at weekends.

Delighted manager James Ward said: 'This money is a welcome boost and will help in our efforts to divert youths away from crime.

'It costs us £500 in bills every month and we will spend £4,000 on new flooring and £6,000 on upgrading the rest of the building and for putting on classes and events.

'I have been here for the last ten years and we have been praised for our efforts in reducing drug, alcohol and knife crime in the local area.

'Things are much better now and that"s because we are able to get young people off the streets and doing interesting things.

'We are hoping that now we will be able to open at weekends.

The Moorpark youth centre, which opened in 1994, takes in kids from Erskine and as a far away as Govan in Glasgow and Jim says it is well used by as many as 100 youths per week.

'The 57-year-old added: 'The centre is run by the youths themselves.

'There are directors who have to be no younger than 16 and no older than 26.

'We have directors who are 18, 19, 20 years old and they are doing a great job but we need continual funding to stay open and we are applying for more funds.'

Renfrewshire Council"s Youth Challenge Fund handed out the money and the centre also runs on cash from the National Lottery. Kids benefit from a range of classes and clubs including a new cafe.

Jim added: 'This new resource is part funded by the Big Lottery.

'The Cyber Cafe is open to any local young person or adult who wishes to access computers for free. You can surf the net, build a CV, write a letter or make a poster.'