A scheme to house, educate and train vulnerable youngsters in Oxford is being looked at six years after councillors shelved the idea because it was deemed too controversial.

Oxford City Council had the chance to access £500,000 of Government money to help build a residential block where young people up to the age of 21 could live, sleep, and train for the outside world.

So-called Foyer projects already exist in Abingdon, Banbury and Witney. Oxford had the chance to build one in Abbey Place, but the scheme was shelved following protests from people living close to the site.

Now a city council committee is looking once again at the idea of building an Oxford Foyer.

Abbey Place can no longer be put forward as a viable site, because it now forms part of the city's West End project.

City councillor and housing scrutiny committee member Jean Fooks said: "It's a bit of a sad reflection on Oxford that we haven't got one here, because there is a need.

"This is not a drop-in or direct access centre -- this is somewhere young people who are homeless get help, training and education."

Oxford already has several drop-in centres for homeless and vulnerable individuals, including The Gap and Gatehouse projects and the Luther Street Day Centre.

The Bridge and Oxford Nightshelter offer accommodation, but do not cater specifically for young people.

City councillors have already been to visit a residential project in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, which helps 42 young people.

It is hoped a charitable trust would take on the day-to-day running costs.

City councillor Gill Sanders added: "Had the Foyer project gone ahead, hundreds of young people would have been able to take advantage of the services it provided.

"Just think of the number of people who could have passed through there by now.

"It makes me weep to think that something was not done because it was deemed controversial and a vote loser."