VOLUNTEERS at a youth motorsports club fear it may have to close due to running costs almost doubling.

Bridport Bandits, which is based at Bridport Youth and Community Centre, allows children to learn life skills and enjoy motorsport in a safe environment.

However, committee members of the project have shared concerns that it may cease to exist if they cannot raise vital funds.

The closure fears come as the youth centre building, which is on Gundry Lane, has had to increase its rent charge for the club from around £175 a month to approximately £338 a month – which the club cannot afford.

John Russell has been the chairman of the Bridport Bandits since 2013.

He said: “About a month ago they wanted to double our rent. We offered to hand back the compound so that they could rent it out, but they declined.

“It’s difficult to say what will happen next at this point. We currently have the use of the old rifle range but there is no power or water and if we can’t overcome these issues then the Bandits will probably fold, and this would be a disaster.

“I understand that the committee are facing pressures in order to keep the place running.”

Over the years, the group has helped many people find jobs in the motor industry and  it has also worked with schools to teach students basic mechanics.

The Bridport Youth and Community Centre is also struggling to stay afloat which meant rent had to be increased after the trust took over the youth centre from Dorset County Council in 2016.  

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Alan Weston, vice chairman of Bridport Youth Community Centre said: “The rent that the Bandits were paying was not in line with the rest of the community groups in the building and rent has to be comparative in order to keep it fair.

“We would love to keep the Bandits, and this has been a really difficult situation. Currently we are in a position where we need to survive as an organisation and all of our costs have gone up.

“We are quite sad to be in this position and would like to wish them the best of luck.”

Bridport Bandits was set up 32 years ago and is volunteer-run and self-funded with outgoing costs of around £10,000 a year.

They have set up a JustGiving page to help with costs and are also potentially looking for a new venue.

At the time of writing donations have reached £1,640 of a £15,000 target.

For more information, or to donate, visit: https://shorturl.at/U4nvk.

The youth centre is always looking to get the community to use the venue more.