THAME’S Youth worker, Nicola Francis and several members of the youth club have pleaded with councillors to re-open discussion about where to site a youth shelter. They said that their own consultations with around 50 youngsters, and video evidence showed that the skate park was the most popular location for a youth shelter.
Speaking at a recent meeting of Thame’s Culture, Leisure and Recreation committee, Nicola said:”We are aware that there has been opposition from residents in the past who didn’t want it in their back yard! I understand their reasons but these young people need somewhere to sit and to keep them dry.”
Cllr David Laver said that the council did have the money in reserve for a youth shelter and Cllr Mike Dyer asked set the young people’s representatives a challenge to put together a paper of what they are after, who was going to control trouble makers and what exactly they needed.
A sub group of the committee is looking at the possibility of a band stand in Elms park as a performing space, which could double up as a youth shelter. Councillors considered Elms park as a possibility because it was not too close to houses. The committee agreed to consult with the Crime Prevention Officer, Lesley Nesbitt and the Youth Council and will consider a mobile shelter so that several locations can be tried out.
“We must bite the bullet,” said the Clerk, Helen Stewart, “and take the flack.” She added: “If they can get one in Brill, we should be able to provide one in Thame.”
Leave a Reply