YOUNGSTERS in Plas Madoc will see the return of their youth club thanks to a six-figure cash injection.

The Welsh Assembly Government has provided over half-a-million pounds to fund a new youth centre on the estate.

There has been nothing in place for youngsters since the previous centre was shut down over a year ago.

Plas Madoc Communities First immediately made this a priority and has seen the months of hard work justified by securing funding of £619,376 from the Assembly.

Plas Madoc Communities First has spent the last six months developing a package of services for the estate that will provide long-term benefit for eight- to 25-year-olds.

The aim is to support young people through their transition into adulthood and the centre will provide many of the skills that will be of use during this time, such as education on substance misuse and sexual health.

The refurbished old building will also act as a drop-in centre where youngsters can relax, hang out and play snooker.

Fun is also high on the agenda with some of the funding earmarked for an activity programme that will include art workshops, theatrical productions, visits and sports.

There will be professional youth workers in place to run the centre and part of their work will be to engage young people out on the streets to ensure that as many people as possible can get involved in what is on offer.

Young people from the estate have already contributed a pop song and video about issues that affect them and now Plas Madoc Communities First would like them to contribute further ideas about what they would like to see in the new centre and the kinds of activities they would like to get involved in.

Miriam Beard, co-ordinator at Plas Madoc Communities First, said: 'We want youngsters to come on board and tell us what they want. They should have a say in what's provided in their centre, take ownership and enjoy it.

'The re-opening of the youth centre is a major achievement. The Welsh Assembly Government has recognised the importance of engaging with, and developing, young people, which is the key to the long- term regeneration of the Plas Madoc Estate.

'This investment in the youth centre demonstrates the commitment of the Communities First programme to bringing services and new opportunities to an estate which has suffered from a significant lack of funding over the years.

'We hope the community will begin to see the potential Communities First offers and get on board to continue the improvements.'