MONMOUTH'S Youth Cafe is getting reading to open.

After years of raising money and looking for premises the dream of opening a centre for young people in the town is becoming a reality.

Co-ordinator Richard Phelps and youth worker Amanda Edwards are now overseeing the decoration of the premises at Commerce House above the Chatterbox Cafe ready for the opening.

Richard is keen to point out that the young people themselves will be fully involved in the day to day running of the cafe as part of the management committee.

"It is not a youth club run by adults. It is up to them how the cafe is run. If they want something specific we will arrange it for them. The whole thing is driven by them. We are just here to give guidance," he said.

The cafe will have computers, Play Stations, TV and video and a homework room. They are also hoping for a pool table and stereo system.

"We are looking at opening from 3.30 pm to 9.30 pm on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday with possibly an earlier finish on a Monday, depending on demand," said Richard.

The number of young people in the cafe at any one time is limited to 80 by fire regulations and the official age limits are 12 to 17.

The youngsters themselves are very enthusiastic.

"It is very nice. We want to be involved in the running of it," said one of the teenagers.

"It is somewhere to go to keep us off the streets. At the moment we've got nowhere, we just hang around."

They have written down their ideas for what they want to see in the cafe, but the main message is "We want fun".

The teenagers have been involved in all aspects of the project, from raising the initial funding to deciding on colour schemes and furniture.

"The idea of involving them totally is that it gives them ownership," said Richard.

"My job is to make dreams reality," he said.

He is well qualified for his new role, having been involved in youth work for six years.

"I would like to think they could come to me if they want help with something," he said.

"There is nothing in Monmouth for 16 to 17 year old school leavers, nowhere for them to get advice on benefits. Although the cafe is only open in the evenings, we will be here all day and can help with all those type of things. That's what I am here for and I am really looking forward to the challenge.

"The support from people in the town has been tremendous and I am keen to foster good relationships with the community, the police and our neighbours," he said.

Although called the youth cafe at present the premises will not be selling food - that will be the province of the Chatterbox Cafe downstairs.

Chatterbox has been closed while the renovations have been going on, but has now reopened and Richard is full of praise for the support of owner Maxine.

The first challenge is to find a name for the premises and Richard is launching a competition to find a catchy title. All suggestions to him at Commerce House, Monnow Street.