Rachel Hovenden meets local youngsters unhappy with KCC plans to change youth centres across the county which could spell the end of Gravesend's Miracles Youth Centre.

"I AM devastated. It is something that gets me off the streets and out of trouble."

Gardening with grandma might not be top of the list of things to do for most teenagers, but for 14-year-old Demi Edgar it is just one of the things she has been enjoying since learning a few green-fingered tips at Gravesend’s Miracles Youth Centre.

Now the future of the centre is in danger after Kent County Council unveiled proposals that would mean it is no longer directly involved in running many youth services for 13- to 19-year-olds.

Across Kent, 12 youth centres could close and 27 projects could lose funding. Instead, each borough will have one "hub" youth centre.

The Miracles centre, for youngsters aged between 12 and 20, is one of those in danger of shutting.

Demi, who goes to Thamesview school in Thong Lane, Gravesend, added: "When we are on the streets we are out causing trouble and stuff. Instead I am here twice a week.

"I used to get stopped by the police – not because of what we did but because of the people we were with – but when we are here, we learn a lot of things like gardening.

"I now help my 75-year-old grandma with her garden. It’s too far to go to another youth centre if this one closes."

Jess Whyman , 17, of Ash Road, Gravesend, who attends Northfleet School for Girls in Hall Road, said that the centre had helped her gain vital employment skills.

She said: "I have been coming to the youth centre for five years. I’ve come up from a young person to a senior member and now do voluntary work for them.

"It has kept me off the streets and we went away for the weekend where we had practice job interviews, learnt about the importance of being on time, and what to wear for the interview.

"It was really helpful and I now have a job at Millbrook Garden Centre and am writing my personal statement for university.

"All this has helped with my CV and I don’t know where I would be if I hadn’t come here."

Elle Jarvis, 13, also attends the centre. She said: "I thought it would be boring but it has given me opportunities. I don’t know what will happen if it closes.

KCC is also considering pulling funding from the Gr@nd youth centre, which is based at the civic centre in Windmill Street, Gravesend. Its future is safer as it also receives funding from the NHS and Gravesham council to pay some staff and for general costs.

Kent's Youth Parliament has expressed dismay that it hasn't been consulted yet on the plans. But Cllr Mike Hill, cabinet member for communities, insisted: "I have absolutely convinced we will continue to have an excellent service."