THE future of youth provision in Ferndown will be discussed during a consultation meeting on Monday, January 23.

Members of the public are invited to attend the event, which will take place between 6pm and 8pm in the King George V Pavilion, Peter Grant Way.

As reported in the Daily Echo, the town's mayor, Councillor Mike Parkes, labelled current provision an "injustice" as two new plans were revealed at a council meeting last month.

During the meeting, 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.

It was also agreed that a formal expression of interest be submitted to to Dorset County Council to run youth services from the Riffs youth centre.

The club closed last summer after county council funding was withdrawn.

Services such as counselling, mental health support, advice on drug and alcohol issues and sexual health information would be made available.