LITTLEPORT is to have a dedicated multi-purpose youth centre. Youth worker Phil Malkin and a band of volunteers have secured planning permission to convert the former medical centre in Granby Street into a centre for youngsters in the town, complete with

LITTLEPORT is to have a dedicated multi-purpose youth centre.

Youth worker Phil Malkin and a band of volunteers have secured planning permission to convert the former medical centre in Granby Street into a centre for youngsters in the town, complete with pool tables, an IT suite and a function room for discos and events.

The project is the result of the work of the 16 volunteers, led by Mr Malkin, who previously ran a youth club at Littleport Scout Hut.

Now they are working as hard as possible to convert the site into a permanent facility that will include table tennis tables, air hockey, computer games, an arts and crafts room and a kitchen to teach youngsters cookery.

It is also hoped that the facility will be able to stage family nights for the young adults that use the centre to bring parents along.

"The majorettes have folded, the skate park's a far cry from what it was now the half-pipe is gone; more and more youth facilities have disappeared," Mr Malkin said.

Work will continue at the site over the coming weeks, and Mr Malkin is on the lookout for volunteers who can help him meet his three-week deadline.

"I'm not sure we'll meet it now, but anyone who can help out with painting and decorating, plastering or anything else would be very welcome," he said.

Although he has secured the backing of local business through businessman Stephen Layne for the first year of operation, the new centre will need the continued financial support of the community.

"We desperately need some financial support, and we want to appeal to other businesses and individuals to help," Mr Malkin said.

"We are looking into setting up a charity for the centre."

Mr Malkin has been involved in youth projects for 14 years, and the project is a labour of love for the 57-year-old.

"I'm very lucky to have a very dedicated group of volunteers who share the vision and want to do something for the youth in the area."

INFO: If you would like to help out Mr Malkin in his bid to bring a youth facility to Littleport, he can be contacted on 07947 823446.