BRIDPORT'S pioneering Foyer project - which provides shelter and jobs training for homeless youngsters - is facing an uncertain future.

Magna Housing Association no longer wants to run the centre and is looking for another organisation to take it over.

Community leaders have expressed "shock and concern" and fear it could lead to the closure of the important amenity. The Foyer, in West Allington, was set up in 1996 and was the first of its kind in the south west.

Based on an acclaimed French idea it provides accommodation for up to 17 disadvantaged young people, aged 16-25 years, helping them develop life and job skills.

But Dorchester-based Magna has decided to "disengage" from its supported housing services for single people - like the Foyer.

It will now look to transfer such properties to other organisations that can "focus better on the needs of single people".

A spokesman said: "The organisation regularly reviews its business activities and supported housing for single people has continued to present a number of challenges. Residents have been reassured that they will not be made homeless and that they will continue to receive support services.

"Magna would like to make it clear that the properties and services that it provides for their elderly customers and those with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, mental illness and also those receiving floating support, will not be affected."

Julie-Ann Foster, Magna's interim head of housing services said: "We are likely to be managing all of these services for at least another year. We have formed project groups with supporting people and the relevant local authorities in Dorset and Devon to work together in developing plans for the future."

But former Bridport mayor Carole Murless, who played a leading role in the setting up of the Foyer, said she viewed Magna's decision with "shock and sadness".

"The Foyer provides a service that no one else provides. It is much more than just a hostel for homeless young people - encouraging them to find jobs," she said. "Hundreds have passed through the doors over the years and gone on to get careers and own their own homes.

"There have been problems there but also a lot of successes. This would be a huge loss to Bridport's young people."

Coun Murless said Magna's decision to pull out of the Foyer could also affect the Oh Crumbs Caf, a training establishment for people with disabilities which is based there.

A spokesman for West Dorset District Council's housing department said: "The council has been notified of Magna Housing Association's decision to stop running housing projects accommodating vulnerable young people. This includes the Bridport Foyer.

"The district council is concerned about the potential implications of this decision but Magna has given a commitment that it will discuss alternative accommodation with Dorset County Council and ourselves before they close the facilities."