YOUNGSTERS in Fordingbridge could soon have a new drop in centre, complete with big TV screens and games consoles, if a bid for funding is successful.

The plan is to open the drop-in centre, which was set up by PC Karen Warren of Fordingbridge Police, at Belinda's Bakery in the town for a couple of hours on a Friday evening.

The total cost for the project is likely to be £8,000.

Hampshire County councillor Kathy Heron has already allocated a grant of £1,000 towards equipment for the project and cllr Miranda Whitehead has given a Rural Assistance Grant of £500.

Cllr Whitehead said they were hoping to get some money from New Forest District Council and from local people and businesses to help fund the project.

She said she would be contacting neighbouring parish councils to see if they would be willing to pay for one session, which is likely to cost around £140.

A questionnaire will be available for young people to say what facilities they would like to see provided in the town.

Cllr Whitehead said: "We are hoping it will be a meeting place for youngsters to tell us what they want us to provide."

PC Tony Hatcher of Fordingbridge Police said the police would drop in and chat to the youngsters and help them with any problems they might have.

"It's only a small minority who give us problems, the others are looking for something to do and hopefully this will give them something to do," he said.

"More often than not youngsters are given a bad name when they hang around in the area. The vast majority are just young kids looking for something to do."

Anyone who wishes to make a donation or to offer any ideas should contact Cllr Whitehead on 01425 652188 or email miranda.whitehead@newforest.gov.uk.