Fears for children as projects axed (From The Advertiser Series)

Fears for children as projects axed

6:18pm Friday 20th May 2011 in Wear Valley By Duncan Leatherdale

TEENAGE crime, pregnancies and anti-social behaviour could rise after play projects missed out on more than £1m funding, youth workers have warned.

Five programmes aimed at children aged from five to 13 have been hit after applications for funding from groups including the Big Lottery and Children In Need failed.

The Coundon and Leeholme Play Project, which organises after-school clubs, youth clubs and holiday activities, will close at the end of the month with the loss of three jobs, after missing out on £90,000.

Elsewhere, the Youth Participation Project, which covers the Durham Dales, will end in July after failing in its bid for £500,000.

It is hosted by 2D, which has set up several youth forums and, according to worker Robert Fothergill, has given youth in the area a voice.

The Crook and Willington Play Project, which has run activities in the two towns and surrounding villages for nearly three years, hasmissed out on £150,000, meaning its two playworkers will work only two days a week.

Mr Fothergill said: "Things will only get worse. The need for these services is rising, but the support is declining."

The Auckland Youth and Community Centre, in Woodhouse Close Estate, Bishop Auckland, has funding only until September after a £400,000 bid was rejected.

Elsie Race, chairwoman of the Wear Valley Community of Interests, a consortium of playworkers, said social problems would only worsen without play provision.

The Woodhouse Close Church playgroup, which has been running formore than 25 years, could close in January after its funding bid was rejected.

The Hamsterley Forest Playday, which last year attracted 2,500 visitors, will be downsized.

PC Vicky Coxon, beat officer for Coundon and Leeholme, said the loss of the playworkers was a cause for concern.

She said: "The play project has been great at keeping children off the path to anti-social behaviour. Without these activities we are concerned many of these youngsters will be hanging around on the street."

Anyone with ideas to save the projects is asked to contact 2D, at the business centre in Crook, on 01388-762220.