CONCERNS have been raised that the closure of one of Blaenavon's biggest youth clubs could make anti-social behaviour problems worse in the town.

It was reported last week that Blaenavon has the highest amount of police call outs to anti-social behaviour incidents in Torfaen, and that the majority of these involved youths.

Blaenavon Mayor Alan Jones has said that it is crucial that closure threatened youth club The Neon is kept open as a way of giving the town's youth somewhere to go and keeping them off the streets.

Councillor Jones said: “With the number of derelict buildings in the town at the moment, which have been attracting young people’s attention and can be dangerous, it’s important we get the kids off the street.

“The Neon do some great things and we need that to continue to help with serious concerns. We recognise the need to work with young people to ensure they have access to needed services and recreation support in the town.”

Dan Oliver, who runs The Neon has applied to Torfaen County Borough Council for a public-private partnership between them and the council-owned Doorway youth club as a way of shoring up both club's futures.

To help the Neon’s cause, Blaenavon Town Council granted them £3,000 at its full council meeting last Wednesday.

Mr Oliver has also applied for a £250,000 grant from The Big Lottery Fund as he seeks third sector funding for the next three years.

Mr Oliver, 33, said: “Over the last five years with the cut-backs we have been relying on hand-outs and trim what we can offer at the Neon. If this continues to happen then the situation could get a lot worse.

“Blaenavon can be a great place, once you’re here it just pulls you in. I know most of the young people around here and they are good kids but they need an outlet, often it looks worse than it is but we need this funding to help stop the problems.”

Local police inspector David Morgan previously confirmed that youth behaviour has made up the majority of the anti-social behaviour problems in the town, totalling 27 from May to June.

Between The Neon and The Doorway there used to be activities on at least six days a week, which have gone down to two now. There is a hope that with the cinema re-opening will help the issues.

Cllr Jones added: “We have been regularly approached by residents with concerns and are working closely with Gwent Police and the Neon. If we can get this funding then Dan and other can do so much to improve the town.”