AN AWARD-winning Andover youth project run by volunteers has had to close its doors indefinitely after material falling from its roof led to concerns for the safety of the young people who used the building.

The Fusion Project, which operates from elderly buildings run by the Vineyard Church near the Enham Arch, is the only activity centre of its kind in the town.

It is especially popular with youngsters from northern Andover providing them with a warm, dry and safe meeting place.

Volunteers’ efforts were recognised in this year’s Pride of Andover Awards and the project is credited with helping secure a 50 per cent reduction in offences of anti-social behaviour locally in recent months.

More than 250 young people aged between 11 and 17 have accessed the project since January and Friday nights usually attract between 85 and 100 people.

Now all that work is at risk unless the project can find money to sort out the roof.

“We have been told that we need to find £98,000 to do that and until we do it will be closed until further notice,” said volunteer Maurice Sweeney.

“The decision was taken last Friday that we couldn’t open and we had about 50 very unhappy people outside.”

As well as providing a popular meeting place the volunteers also provide helpful advice and information and following this summer’s riots took their message onto the streets.

The building, formerly Leggs, is leased to The Vineyard Church for a peppercorn rent of £1 for 25 years.

Without help from commercial organisations or the local authority the facility may stay closed.

A spokesman for Test Valley Borough Council said: “Vineyard Church took over the Warehouse a few years back when there were already problems identified with the roof.

“They sought advice about options for grant aid both from the council and from others. We provided help and advice about what might potentially be funding avenues to investigate, including from the county council.

“They were also advised that as any grant funder would expect to see a formal lease agreement with the property owner they should seek to secure a lease. We understand that a formal lease may now be in place.

“The council have, to date, never received a formal grant request or been approached further."