A YOUTH drop-in facility that faced closure earlier this year following a devastating funding cut has officially reopened a downsized service.

The Little Junction, at River House, Junction Road, opened on Friday, June 9.

The charity behind the service, Alabaré, found out its former service, The Junction, faced closure following a £56,000 funding cut from Hampshire County Council.

Service users , residents and councillors joined in the fight to keep it open with protests, a petition with 1,172 signatures and a direct appeal to the council.

Test Valley Borough Council representative for St Mary’s ward, Councillor Iris Andersen, officially launched the new service with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Cllr Andersen said: “This young people’s drop-in holds a very special place in my heart.

“I wish facilities like this were around when I was young; it is an absolute godsend for those who have nowhere to go.

“Thanks to local companies , organisations and members of the public who have fought for this vital facility to stay open.”

Paula Philp, service manager at The Andover Foyer, which The Little Junction is part of said: “We will still be offering a counselling service, accredited training courses and a small internet café.

“Thanks to them, we can still be here to protect and support vulnerable young people in Andover who urgently need our help.”