A FRIDAY night cafe is set to open in Northwich town centre to give teenagers a place to meet.

The much-needed facility is the brainchild of the town's youth council, police officers and a national charity after years of youngsters hanging around in High Street.

But organisers are appealing for help to get the project off the ground.

Lesley Moore, fromNorthwich Town Council, said: "The idea was broached in youth council.

"The kids were saying that there's clubs out there for interests – if you're interested in dance, sport, horse riding there are clubs for you but if you haven't got any particular interests and just want to hang around with kids your age there's nowhere to hang out.

"There's clubs in Winnington and Lostock but they're just out of town.

"If you live in Rudheath you're not going to go all the way to Winnington – you'd need a lift so parents are ferrying everyone about.

"Kids said they're hanging around outside McDonalds because they're going to see their mates from school there and it's right in the middle of town.

"At the same time the PCSOs said they have a history in Northwich town centre of moving the kids on from outside McDonalds – not because they're causing trouble, they're just hanging around and sometimes being boisterous."

At the same time the youth council and police were thinking about the issue, a meeting was organised in Northwich by national charity Redeeming Our Communities (ROC).

ROC brings people and organisations together to run projects that transform communities, including youth drop-in cafes.

The Northwich ROC cafe is being organised by Northwich Town Council, Cheshire West and Chester Council, Cheshire Police, Vivo and Connection Church.

It will be for people aged between 11 and 16 and will take place at The Old Fire Station, in Chesterway, from 7pm to 9pm on Fridays, launching on October 3.

It will be informal space to meet with activities organised like music nights, graffiti workshops and baking nights.

Organisers are now appealing for businesses and individuals that can help, either by donating items like games consoles, pool tables or food or contributing towards running costs.

Lesley said: "However small or big people want to give, it's all welcome."

Anyone who can help should contact ROC by ringing 0161 6462373 or Northwich Town Council on 01606 41510.