A former sheriff fighting to save an Arbroath drop-in centre from closure has sent out a dossier to businesses.
Norrie Stein has sent out a written plea to companies to set out just how important a role the Cafe Project plays in the community and why it should be saved.
Mr Stein, who is the chairman of the project, hopes the plea will be enough to gain enough investment to keep the Brothock Bridge site going beyond January.
He said: “We provide the only large-scale, activity-based drop-ins for young people and those with disability in Angus.
“It has two large halls, two cafeterias, toilets for the disabled, offices and meeting rooms for focused work with small groups.
“There is no other project in Angus providing focused work for troubled primary seven boys and girls referred by their schools.
“We are the only youth project in the area working with the job centre referring young people for work placements and volunteering and providing mentoring and support sessions at the project for the unemployed.
“We are also the only activity-based mother and toddler group running during the afternoon and the only premises outside of licensed premises offering darts, pool, table tennis and air hockey.
“The darts academy is the only such organisation in Tayside and Street Games for All is the only project in Angus providing outside games with the use of mobile pitches and special Fair Play Rules.”
Mr Stein has warned the centre’s closure could see a return to drink and drug-fuelled anti-social behaviour on street corners if there is nothing for children to do.
He has also voiced concerns about the impact on people with learning difficulties because the Cafe Project is the only place in Angus they can come for a drop-in.
The project risks being wound up by the end of January if sufficient funds are not found following a failed application to Children in Need after 12 years of support.
Mr Stein was installed as the town’s sitting sheriff in September 1991 and became renowned not just for his legal position but also for his active involvement with the wider Arbroath community.
He became involved with the Oasis drop-in centre which later inspired the formation of the Cafe Project.