West Mercia Police Authority

Based at the Wesley Hall in the High Street, the centre was set up two years ago by Community Support Officer Jacqui Fletcher of the Albrighton Local Policing Team for youngsters aged 10 to 16.

The initiative has proved a big success although its future remained in doubt through lack of funding. But following an application for financial support from Local Policing Officer PC Michelle Morris and CSO Fletcher, the Police Authority has approved £2,000 from its community initiatives budget.

PC Morris said the grant had secured the immediate future of the drop-in centre which frequently attracts up to 20 children on Friday nights between 7pm and 9pm. She said the venture had recently been taken over by the independent charity, Say YES, Shifnal & Albrighton Youth for Christ, which provides its own youth worker for the Friday night sessions.

PC Morris said “I’m grateful and delighted the Police Authority has given this cash. It will provide for the rent on the room, enable new equipment to be purchased and ensure the facility remains free entry for the youngsters. Those attending are mainly from the village although children from other areas do attend. They are able to use the internet, a play station, Wii, ex-box, a pool table, table tennis and board games. The youth worker is usually present when the centre is open and engages well with the youngsters. He is a good role model for them and without the centre operating on Friday nights, they would probably be out on the streets possibly becoming involved in anti-social behaviour. I would appeal for more children within Albrighton to pop along on a Friday night and see what’s on offer. I would also appeal for volunteers able to give a few hours a month to assist in staffing."

She added: “When we handed over the running to the charity there was only about £360 left in the kitty so the Police Authority grant is very welcome and provides financial stability for the future.”