A COMMUNITY youth project which has contributed to a dramatic drop in crime levels in an east Durham community is celebrating the opening of a new dedicated games room.

The official opening of the facility at Centre Field Pavilion Cafe, Sunderland Road, Horden, marked a highpoint in a project which has helped break down barriers between the generations.

The room was converted with £4,750 funding from Durham County Councillor Dennis Maddison, obtained through the East Durham Area Action Partnership (AAP). The facility was officially opened by Durham Constabulary’s chief constable Jon Stoddart.

The dedicated games area will allow youths workers and service providers to work with young people in a safe environment. The Centre Field Pavilion, run by David Robinson, has been hailed by senior police and councillors for helping to reduce anti-social behaviour and bringing all ages of the community together.

Coun Maddison said AAP had worked with the police, Groundwork, local businesses and parish and county councillors on the project.

Coun Maddison said: "It all started with when a group of youngsters sat down and had a cup of coffee with older residents meeting at the Pavilion Cafe.

"From there they would come and play dominoes and it progressed to meeting once a fortnight.

He added: "Anti-social behaviour is right down and the group has gone from strength to strength and more than 70 come and meet here."

Mr Robinson, who spearheaded the project, said: "This has been my vision since I took over the derelict building in 2008.

"It started when some elderly people noticed children in a nearby field and asked what they were doing there.

"They were invited in and explained they only sat there because it had a streetlight and they could play at night."

Mr Robinson said he started a Board Games for Bored Kids in January 2009, and it evolved from there.

Up to 60 young people now meet at the facility, which has a an electric organ, pool tables, football table, music system and WII.

Young people meet from 5pm to 8pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

The project has been awarded the Problem Orientated Policing Award from Mr Stoddart and has been nominated for the Tilley Award, which recognises crime fighting projects.