PLANS to revamp youth facilities in Ferndown have been unveiled as the town's mayor labelled current provision an "injustice".

Two new projects for the area were revealed at a town council meeting in early December.

Councillors agreed in principle to move forward with a major redevelopment of the King George V Recreation Ground, which will see the pavilion and playground redesigned.

Proposed improvements to the site include new bar and club rooms, a play area, outdoor fitness equipment and car parking, as well as a multi-use games area (MUGA), floodlighting and tennis court renovations.

Councillor Mike Parkes, the mayor of Ferndown, said: “The King George V pavilion and playing fields are a valuable community resource but it is essential they are invested in to ensure the facilities are of a contemporary standard and meet the diverse needs and expectations of Ferndown’s residents.

"The council, as sole trustee of the charity, has a duty to future-proof the charity for the next generation of users."

It was proposed that the development be financed over 30 years, costing an additional £3.50 per year for residents paying Band D council tax.

Currently, the facilities - which were built around 30 years ago - cost more than £100,000 a year to maintain.

The plans will go before the public in the future.

During the same meeting, councillors agreed to submit a formal expression of interest to Dorset County Council to run youth services from the Riffs youth centre.

The club closed last summer after county council funding was withdrawn.

The cost of taking over the service and running the building has been estimated at £30,000 per year.

Cllr Parkes said: “This is a fantastic facility for the young people in Ferndown which is sadly not being utilised following its closure last summer.

“The current youth provision in the town is inadequate and an injustice to the young people of Ferndown.

“Opening the doors of Riffs again to Ferndown’s young people will fill some of these gaps in provision.

“It will be a key priority that this dedicated youth resource will provide services and activities that are fit for purpose and engaging.

“The council is optimistic that its expression of interest will be successful.”

Councillors strongly supported the proposal to take over youth services.

More than 120 young people had visited Riffs every week until the centre’s closure.

Cllr Parkes said: “This is an exciting time for Ferndown.

“To meet the diverse needs of the town’s growing community, we have to be ambitious and creative.

“If these key projects proceed, they will be a focal point for community pride, common heritage and values which the whole town can enjoy for many years to come.”

Residents in the town will be invited to have their say on the plans before any final decision is taken.