YOUNG people in Farnham may soon benefit from a youth drop-in centre at Montrose House in South Street, now that the necessary funding has been secured.
A sum of £20,000 has been made available from Surrey County Council's local committee for Waverley, and £10,000 is coming from Farnham Town Council towards the reduced lease on the property, which is owned by Waverley Borough Council.
Outlets such as the Bourne Children and Youth Initiative and Farnham Youth Forum run similar drop-in centres, providing information services. This will be on a much larger scale, centrally located, hoping to attract a large number of young people.
David Munro , whose idea it was to use Montrose House, is delighted that the project is going ahead, subject to planning permission.
He stresses the dual role of the centre as an outlet for helping with youth-related problems as well as a social environment for the town's young people.
"This will be perfect for teenagers, who just want a friendly face to chat to. It's important to have a friendly environment rather than a formal office. It will also be open long hours so people do not need to make an appointment and can be used just as a social outlet."
Julie Maskery, leisure manager at Waverley, explained that the drop-in centre will also focus on providing educational information to young people in a casual, informal environment rather than the more traditional structured youth club.
"Research gleaned from the youth consultation in Farnham told us that this is the facility, young people want. This is what they have requested."
The centre will be staffed by trained youth workers from the Surrey Youth Service, who will be supported by volunteers. The youth service, along with other local services, will meet the day-to-day running costs of the building.
Mrs Maskery stressed that planning permission will be concerned with the change of use of the premises rather than any external structural changes. The building was previously occupied by Waverley housing officers.
"The property is ideal as it is because of the number of small rooms inside which will make good meeting rooms. The current layout is very appropriate for the facility."
Mary Webbey, at Youth Services for Waverley, hopes the centre will help encourage young parents back into education as well as providing education for those excluded from school.
Mr Munro hopes the centre will go some way to helping the problem of anti-social behaviour in the town.
Some concerns have been expressed from nearby residents in Home Park that the centre may generate too much noise
However, Mr Munro is confident it will have a positive effect.
"But now comes the hard part: putting together a really attractive package that will encourage young people to use the centre and seek help with any problems.
"I hope it won't be long before Montrose opens for business."