A CHARITY providing vital youth services have been given a £1,000 boost to help kit out its new building.

Hampshire County Council leader and Romsey Extra councillor Roy Perry awarded the cash to Youth In Romsey (YIR) from his Community Development fund.

It comes just weeks after county council bosses made a U-turn on plans to slash YIR’s funding this year as part of £800,000 budget savings.

Mr Perry’s grant will help the charity, currently based in Bell Street, will pay for special height-adjustable tables and 40 collapsible chairs at its new £350,000 premises which will be built next to the cricket pavilion at Romsey Sports Centre.

The building work is currently out for tender but honorary chairman Ian Hibberd said he is hopeful construction will start in spring for completion this summer.

The purpose-built building will be all on one level, making it easier for wheelchair users and parents with pushchairs to visit – their current pemises is above Anya shoe shop.

Mr Perry said: “As council leader, despite great pressures on the county budget, I have been determined to maintain help for young people.

“In the consultation process there was a lot of support from Romsey people stressing the importance of youth services. We listened to that response so we have sought to retain the current funding for youth services across the county at least for another year.”

The award came from Mr Perry’s annual allowance of £8,000 to help community organisations and services.

YIR is still in need of donations to help kit out their new kitchen and garden and pay for new computers and furniture.

For more information or to donate call 01794 500581 or visit yir.org.uk.