year.

Residents are spearheading moves to establish a base, possibly in one of the redundant buildings at Southside, and they have received backing from Government at the highest level.

Youth and Sports Minister John Barritt joined St. George's South MP Rick Spurling in support of the project -- and Government funds to get the centre off the ground are understood to be in the pipeline.

And if the scheme receives the backing of area residents, then Mr. Spurling believes it could expand to become a multi-purpose hub of activity.

"It is something I have worked on right from the start. Southside is the perfect location because there are so many available buildings,'' he said.

The centre would be used primarily for the youth of St. David's, with the focus on sports. But it is hoped it would expand to include a wide variety of activities for young and old alike.

Last week St. David's residents met and elected officers to take their plan forward.

A committee was selected and a constitution adopted, and Mr. Spurling and John Barritt both believe there is a good team of people behind the plan to ensure it comes to fruition.

The Youth Minister, who attended the meeting, said: "I pledged the support of the Ministry to assist the committee in securing a building on Southside, and to further help with advice and help as required through technical staff and financial assistance to achieve their goals.

"The realisation of a community centre in St. David's will provide a positive outlet for the young people, in a facility they can call their own.'' The members of the new residents committee are as follows; president Eugene Crockwell, vice chairman Christine Frith, secretary Mrs. Heather Foggo, treasurer Beulah Foggo, vice-secretary/treasurer Lynn Tucker and executive members Roseanne Pitcher and Tanya Minors.

GOVERNMENT GVT