A BLOCK of derelict loos in Fordingbridge could be transformed into a building for young people.

A survey of the building has been carried out and the town council are waiting estimates for refurbishment and a possible extension to the former toilet block.

Town mayor Malcolm Connolly said: “The council is researching the viability to turn the building into a place for young people.

“In my opinion young people are encountering more and more social problems in this day and age sometimes, professional advice is often needed and our intention is to help that system of support to grow.

“Young people need a place to talk over their problems with someone who is specially trained.

“And we are hoping that an agency would run the facility and the town council would support the system in any way we can.”

In bouts over the years, Fordingbridge has been blighted with vandalism, underage drinking and youth-related anti-social behaviour.

However, the Safer Neighbourhoods Team targeted youth crime as a priority and the difference in the town was hailed by town mayor Malcolm Connolly as “enormous”.

“We no longer have the problems that we were having with some of the town's youth.

And it is about time that youngsters in Fordingbridge had a place they can call their own.

A spokesman for New Forest District Council said: “We understand that Roxanne Bellows, as chair of the Fordingbridge Youth Steering Committee, has been exploring with the town council the possibility of changing the former toilet block in the recreation ground into accommodation for youth services.

“The project is in the very early stage and we have not yet received any formal request for funding.

“Any such request will be considered in the usual way and we will work constructively with the town council.”