A GENERATION of "bus shelter youngsters" are to be given a new place to meet.

According to Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Tiffany Molden, the youngsters of Wilmington village have been ignored by authorities for years.

While youths from Dartford's urban areas were given clubs to keep them off the streets, Wilmington's teenagers were left to their own devices.

But now they are set to get a youth club as work begins this week on the derelict Manor Cottage in Barn End Lane.

The PCSO, along with colleague Dave Brooker, hopes to have the club up and running by the end of February.

The mother-of-one said: "Around 30 youngsters, aged between 11 and 17, have nothing to do except hang about outdoors.

"They are not aggressive but it may be seen by some as intimidating.

"It's been going on for so long it's part of the culture of the village.

She added: "All we could do was move them on and the bus shelter youngsters were becoming a magnet to youths from other villages.

"We literally stumbled on this derelict house while out on patrol one day and knew it would be perfect."

The centre, named the Gaff by the village's teenagers, is owned by Kent County Council, which has agreed a lease with reduced rent.

Funding of £11,000 is needed to ensure the club is a success and the officers have asked for grants from sources including Dartford Council and the Kent People's Trust.

PCSO Molden, 37, said: "It will be a place they can just come to meet up and be safe. They will be able to play pool and use the computer."

The site will also give the PCSOs a permanent base in the village during the day.

The PCSO of two years added: "Things are going well. We already have a PlayStation, a karaoke machine and a television but if anyone could give us unwanted games it would be a big help."

If you can donate games to the Gaff or help with the renovation work, call News Shopper on 01689 885721.