RESIDENTS have called for the lottery money being given to a Weymouth housing estate to be used to steer youngsters away from crime.

A drop-in session was held at Littlemoor Library in a bid to get members of the community involved in finding ways to spend between £1million and £2million being handed out by the Big Lottery Fund.

And parents and grandparents called on the money to be spent on engaging youngsters in activities that will keep them out of trouble.

Their appeal comes after 41 cars were hit with what is believed to be a hammer during a 20-minute spree of damage on Tuesday night.

At the library yesterday mum Donna Nobbs, 33, said the lottery money should be used to improve existing facilities instead of building on limited green space close to the church and library.

Mrs Nobbs, of Merredin Close, said of the damaged cars: “It’s obviously boredom and that’s what we’ve got to stop.

“People are aware of the damage that’s been caused and hopefully this lottery project can cheer people up and give them something to work towards and to help stop this from happening.”

Littlemoor was identified by the Big Lottery Fund as an area in need of regeneration and will spend at least £1 million across 10 years in projects designed to cause a lasting legacy.

Rosalyn Thompson, aged 58, of Geelong Close, said she is also concerned about facilities for youngsters as her granddaughter lives with her.

She said: “There’s nothing for the youngsters on this estate really apart from the youth club but that’s only open a few hours in the evening and it should be open in the holidays when we’ve got six weeks of havoc.”

“And my first concern is the nursery as I think they could have more money spent on play equipment and a sensory garden.”

Joan Smith, aged 76, of Stonechat Close, said she supports the idea a new community centre being built next to the church to replace the one in Canberra Road as she is put off by going into the older part of the estate.

She said: “They could have a police room there and different things for the community.”

Rachelle Smith, from Dorset Community Action, attended the library drop-in session as her charity has been tasked with getting the community involved in the lottery scheme, given the name Big 4 Littlemoor.

She was delighted with the public’s response and said a working group of residents is growing.

She said: “The good thing is that we’ve got some younger people involved and there’s definitely been a feeling that people want to be a part of this.

If you want to have your say on how the money can be spent next meeting is at the Community Centre in Canberra Road on Thursday, June 2 at 7.30pm.