Community projects which help keep young people off the streets of an Oxford estate could grind to a halt unless money for two community workers is secured.

A three-year, £90,000 package is needed so that part-time community workers David Trebilcock and Pippa Sandford can continue running schemes at Cutteslowe Community Centre. Residents fear crime and vandalism, which plagued the estate until about 10 years ago before community workers were introduced, would creep back in if they lost their jobs.

Five-year funding from The Lankelly Foundation, in Didcot, which specialises in helping deprived communities, runs out next April.

Cutteslowe Community Association, which manages the community centre in Wren Road, has tried to get cash from both the city and county councils.

The association has also unsuccessfully approached independent organisations and charities across Oxfordshire.

Jean Fooks, county councillor for Cutteslowe and community association member, said organisations had been reluctant to come forward because the councils were not supporting the scheme.

She and other north Oxford councillors have requested that a partnership agreement be formed between the councils so some of the funding can be put in place.

Mrs Fooks said: "Without the centre, I really believe things would go to pieces. I cannot believe there is so much trouble in finding them the money. I'm not quite begging at the moment, but it's not too far off.

"David and Pippa already do so much work and, on the wide scale of things, this really isn't that much money -- yet it would go so far.

"Cutteslowe often loses out to estates like Blackbird Leys and Barton, yet there is as much social deprivation here. It does not seem fair."

Mr Trebilcock and Ms Sandford each work 18-and-a-half hours a week.

The £90,000, or £30,000 a year, would pay their wages and those of third community worker Jacqui Malone, who helps to run the centre.

Since Mr Trebilcock starting working at the centre nine years ago, a range of clubs and classes for young people and families have been launched.

Children have been given the opportunity to take part in a homework club, where they are helped by volunteers, dance classes and are given the chance to discuss issues affecting their lives.

Mr Trebilcock said: "The centre is at the heart of the community. People say that because of the work we do, Cutteslowe is a better, safer place to live.

"It would be pretty well impossible for all the activities to carry on without Pippa and I.

"That's not because the people themselves cannot do it. They are amazing and extremely resourceful, but it needs the organisational staff to maintain everything, such as additional funding to run all the classes and clubs.

"The people of Cutteslowe deserve more than it all just coming to a halt."

Marianne Moxon, chairman of Cutteslowe Community Centre, said: "The young people now feel that they have ownership of the centre. It's a place they can go to enjoy themselves or take part in the clubs and groups that are held there.

"This would stop if David and Pippa were taken away and the knock-on effect would be felt by all."

Alison Duke, whose 12-year-old son Steven takes part in activities at the centre, said the community would "go to pieces" without the community workers.

She said: "The centre and the clubs that are run there are all that the children have got.

"There's nothing else here for them and it gives them something constructive to do.

"We are all worried that the centre could close down."

Anyone who can help with funding should call the centre on 01865 311172.