Youth centre in Northants want more services for young people as they view drug deals
The Doddridge Centre run services for young people but say more is needed to keep them away from gangs
A youth centre in Northampton tell us kids are scared to go out, are aware of gangs and even see drug deals as they call for more youth services.
Rachel Bott - Centre Director at the Doddridge Centre in the St James area of the town.
She says there work aims to give young people a safe place to go:
"Just outside the youth club a few months ago, you know, there was a drug deal taking place. The kids came out and witnessed it. We don't want that for our children. We want them to have somewhere where they don't see that. It's not right for them to be able to see this happening on their doorsteps."
The Doddridge Centre has just received funding from the Northamptonshire Community Foundation and Northamptonshire’s High Sheriff, Jeremy Sharman's Initative Fund.
The cash will support their Monday evening youth club at the St James Community Centre for 8 - 14 year olds.
Rachel says the local areas are prime for county lines gangs, who recruit young people:
"We've seen quite a high rise in knife crime and drug related crimes and the kids are scared to go to the park because they don't know who's there, what's going to happen.
"Our local park is actually right next to a train station, so it's sort of prime for county lines. And it's obviously parents don't want their children to be hanging around in the park when it's it's not safe so the youth club offers the local children a safe space to come."
She's calling for more services for young people in the area:
"There's so much happening in Saint James that is beyond our control really. But my ultimate dream would be that we had a youth hub.
"For the kids to go to and feel safe and have trusted adults, but it be their space to get what they want out of it because there isn't anything. There's really limited offerings in this part of town and it's it's a really sad state of affairs."
The group along with eight others received a share of £35,392.