SUPPORTERS of a £2 million project to revamp Portishead's youth centre are urging the local community to get behind them and ensure work on the project starts this year. Bosses at the Harbour Road centre say they plan to start work on the first stage of t

SUPPORTERS of a £2 million project to revamp Portishead's youth centre are urging the local community to get behind them and ensure work on the project starts this year.Bosses at the Harbour Road centre say they plan to start work on the first stage of the redevelopment of the centre in June, but need residents and businesses in Portishead to get behind them and raise the rest of the cash needed to get work underway.Last month the North Somerset Times revealed how the management committee was £80,000 short of the £640,000 needed to start work on the first phase of the redevelopment which will include a new hall, entrance, cafe, kitchen, reception, administration, terrace area and new parking facilities. The second phase will see the creation of a new art room, video suite, special needs room, recording studio and meeting room.The final stage - which will cost £1million alone - will see the construction of a new community/sports hall. The work will be project managed by North Somerset Council.Portishead Youth Centre worker Alan Rowe said: "We need the support of the retailers and for them to get behind us, not only with financial help but also with their expertise as well."We want their help and ideas on how to raise the additional money for the project to ensure we can start work on site in June this year."Mr Rowe said the youth centre had the potential to, once the improvement work was carried out, open seven nights a week.He added: "The possibilities of the centre are endless."There is an awful lot of potential here and in the future we could open seven nights a week, providing a place where youngsters can drop in for a coffee and a chat."It is also hoped to attract other activities to the centre which could be operating independently of the youth work."So far, £49,000 has been raised as part of the local fund-raising appeal and nearly £400,000 has been earmarked as part of planning agreements.Portishead and North Weston Town Council has also earmarked cash towards the project and other funds have been applied for.Anyone who wants to get involved can contact the youth centre on 01275 842461.