Witham's Cyber Caf, which has been hailed as a huge success in helping to cut teenage nuisance crime on one of the town's housing estates, is to close.

Co-owner Mr Dean Russell, who runs the Cyber Caf on the Spa Road shopping precinct says he and his business partner have lost over £40,000 since it opened eight months ago and can't afford to plough in any more cash.

"It has helped give the youngsters somewhere to go and improved things socially," says Dean, who lives nearby in Calamint Road, "but I put in about 93 hours a week and haven't paid myself a wage.

"If it wasn't for my wife working and paying all the domestic bills, we would not have been able to carry on this far. The business effectively owes me something like £20,000 in wages, which is written off."

Dean a former residential social worker, is now looking for a job, and the business is due to close its doors for the last time at the end of January.

"I am glad I tried it, otherwise I would always have wondered if it would have worked. Location has been one key factor, we would have done better in the town centre, but couldn't afford the rent.

"I think something like this helps the youngsters and improves the social atmosphere, proving there is a need, but if it can't run commercially, then perhaps it has to be run like a public library, as a facility for the public," he says.

"Fortunately we don't have any huge bills to pay except the phone bill, as we have paid for everything as we have gone along."

Acting Sgt Mick Hall, of Witham's community liaison police team, this week praised the results of the Cyber Caf and Dean Russell's work.

"There is no doubt that since it opened, there has been a substantial reduction in the number of nuisance calls we have received about groups of youths on the Spa Road precinct area."

Commented leader of Witham council, Tom Hewitt: "There have been huge social benefits arising from this facility and it is a real shame it has to close. Witham council has been behind the project, and we have tried to help where we can, in conjunction with the residents association."

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