A SOUTHAMPTON youth project which has been forced to close because of a lack of funding is appealing for volunteers to get the scheme up and running again.

The Townhill Park Youth Project, known locally as The Zone, was set up seven years ago in a bid to combat youngsters' drug-taking, teenage pregnancy, bullying and crime which was plaguing the area.

Based in Benhams Road, Townhill Park, the project was set up primarily as a drop-in centre, but has led to a reduction in local crime and substance misuse, offers support to local families and has also produced an anti-bullying video now used by the Police Education Authority and Police Services.

But funding from organisations such as the Rank Foundation and the Tudor Trust has now dried up and organisers have been forced to close the project until volunteers can be found to help run it.

Fundraiser Leesa Betteridge said: "The current workforce of youth workers is no longer affordable, but if we can get 12 volunteers to give up just three hours a week, the project could stay open."

The scheme, which is used by youngsters aged 11 to 25, also needs donations to cover overheads such as maintenance and electricity bills. Ms Betteridge said: "If the project has to close down it would be a terrible blow for the local community. The Zone is so much more than a youth club - here the kids can get proper counselling about their problems, all in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Without this project I'm sure the area would return to how it was all those years ago."

It is not just the youngsters who benefit from The Zone - it also offers a Baby Clinic and a Sexual Health Clinic.

Anyone who can help with fundraising or volunteer work for The Zone should call Leesa Betteridge on 023 8057 0055 and leave a message on the answerphone.