A YOUTH project that offers free access to computers and sports equipment has been relaunched on an Oxford estate.

The Barn Youth Project, in Greater Leys, shut its doors to teenagers in December following a fall in interest in its weekly drop-in sessions.

Organisers blamed computer problems for poor attendance at the club, and have now re-jigged IT systems to improve online access at The Barn, in Nightingale Avenue.

They have also changed the drop-in night from a Wednesday to a Friday to ensure children can come out without having to worry about homework.

Susan Fitzsimons, treasurer of the youth project, said: "It is exciting to reopen. I just hope that the facilities are used and that people come and see what we have got to offer.

"I want teenagers to get involved in the club's committee side as well, to let us know what they want.

"The project is very important for the area.

"It is important for parents to know that their children are going somewhere safe and not hanging around on street corners and getting blamed for being yobs when they are not."

Gerry Webb, project secretary, said: "I think the facility is well located - the only downside with the facility is we are not having enough feedback about what the kids want.

"The youth leaders will be going on what we call Outreach - walkabout - speaking to kids of different ages to say what we are, where we are, and to get feedback about the kind of things they would like to see in place."

The club was relaunched yesterday with a bungee run and Nintendo Wii and Sony PlayStation available for the teenagers.

It will continue to run from 7pm to 9pm on each Friday, and the youth club's committee said they were giving the project three months to improve turnout before deciding whether to keep it open.

Gordon Roper, chairman of Blackbird Leys Parish Council, said: "I think the project is very useful. It is something that gets young people off the streets.

"I only hope it does not close - it would be yet another facility that would be lost for the children.

"With the city council putting the cost of leisure services up, at least the children can go to The Barn and their parents can have a night off."

Mr Webb added the club was also looking for volunteers to help staff it, and that there may be the possibility for some training for people interested in youth work, depending on funding.

For more information on the facility email gez.webb@yahoo.co.uk