GENEROUS residents are being asked to dig deep into their pockets to help fund the setting up of a youth cafe opening in Kidderminster.

The new venture is set to open later this year but £75,000 is needed to kit out the cafe with computers, kitchen equipment, a disabled toilet, windows and American diner-style seating.

Business owner Anne Barker, who is setting up the retro-style cafe, said the cash was needed as soon as possible. She added that she hoped people could donate a minimum of £1 to help reach the target.

“In the Wyre Forest area there are about 90,000 people,” she said. “If everybody gave £1 we could open the cafe tomorrow.

“One pound is not a lot of money.

People spend it on the lottery – it’s two chocolate bars.

“It’s a bit of pride really, that’s what we’re aiming for. Everybody who donates can walk past the youth cafe and say ‘I’ve paid for part of this’. As soon as we get the money then we can start putting things in place.”

The youth cafe was due to open in September at the former Burtons and Evans’ store, Worcester Street ,but the date had to be pushed back after the contract with the landlord fell through.

It will still be based on the same street but at the former Dorothy Perkins shop. Two jobs will be created, along with four apprenticeships in IT, team leading and hospitality and catering.

Mrs Barker, who owns holistic store Simply Charming, in Blackwell Street, said: “It will be a community cafe and everybody can use it during the day.

Primarily, before and after school, it will be open to the youths.

During the summer holidays we’re hoping that youths and the community will use it at the same times.”

She added once opened, the cafe, which has a youth committee and seven trustees, would generate its own cash to pay staff, buy equipment and fund apprenticeships for youngsters.

“Everything that’s made will be given back to the youths, “ she said.

People interested in making a donation can text lots01 with the amount to 70070 or use the charity box at Simply Charming.

They can also donate at Barclays, Kidderminster, under the account name Kidderminster Youth Cafe.