A former Arbroath sheriff has said it would be a tragedy if the highly-acclaimed CAF Project goes to the wall.
Norrie Stein, who is chairman of the project, told The Courier the centre’s closure could see a return to drink and drug-fuelled anti-social behaviour on street corners if there is nothing for youngsters to do.
He also voiced concerns about the impact on people with learning difficulties because the CAF Project is the only place in Angus they can come for a drop-in.
The project risks being wound up by the end of January if sufficient funds are not found following a failed application to Children in Need after 12 years of support.
Upon his arrival in Arbroath in 1991, he became involved with the Oasis drop-in centre which aimed to prevent young people becoming involved with drugs.
This formed part of the inspiration for the CAF project which was established in July 1996 after the Arbroath and District crime prevention panel’s seminar on youth crime highlighted numerous social ills.
It was recognised that a positive alternative was required to “life on the street” where young people could socialise and engage in a wide range of activities in a safe environment.
Mr Stein said: “The CAF Project has changed people’s lives, there’s no question about that.
“It was very rare to see anybody with a connection to the CAF Project appear in court thereby breaking a family tradition in some cases.
“We all need something to do to keep ourselves out of mischief. There are things we might be good at but what we need is the opportunity to find out what they are or how to develop them.
“Our young people have given presentations to national conferences across Scotland on alcohol and drug misuse and violence reduction.
“Youngsters from Ness Drive, Arbroath, won the Fair Play Award in the inaugural Street Football World Cup in Germany in 2006 and came third overall.
“We, with our Street Games pitches, were also a central feature in London at a commemorative event for Damilola Taylor.
“We’ve achieved so much and I think it’s so important that we do everything we can to keep the CAF Project running for years to come.”
The CAF Project has two full-time managers, four sessional workers and 22 youth and adult volunteers.
The project works with health visitors, social workers, criminal justice offenders service, NHS nurses, police and firefighters, parents and carers, teachers, Angus Council Community Learning and Development, Angus Council Recreational Team for People with Disability, the Job Centre, local businesses, Round Table, Rotary clubs and the Royal British Legion and churches.