Axminster residents call for youth centre

A YOUTH centre in Axminster will provide an outlet for young people and keep trouble off the streets. This is the claim of resident Paul Hayward, who says that a centre open five days a week could stop youngsters causing trouble in North Street

A YOUTH centre in Axminster will provide an outlet for young people and keep trouble off the streets.

This is the claim of resident Paul Hayward, who says that a centre open five days a week could stop youngsters causing trouble in North Street and other areas of the town.

He called on town councillors to provide better youth facilities during the monthly meeting on Monday, August 10.

He said: "We need a youth club open five days a week, otherwise we are pushing the problem to North Street and other places. And the name Pippins doesn't have much street-cred."

He suggested money from the Public Works Loan Body could be used to fund a youth centre.

Speaking to the Herald, he said: "I spoke to my daughter after that meeting and she said the centre was only open once a week.

"The whole town seems to be cross about teenagers and noise.

I think if they had somewhere they could go on permanent basis, it would keep them off the streets, hopefully in one place where they could congregate.

"I want the girls and boys to turn up to a meeting because, what are basically 60-year-olds, are saying what they [teenagers] want.

"Hoops and sticks were fine in my day, but things have moved on. They want somewhere to chill out, listen to music, have the internet, and maybe a pool table."

Councillor Douglas Hull spoke to the chairman, Mayor Ron Jones, and suggested the 'gentleman' visit the youth centre in town.

He said: "Plans are afoot to get a permanent youth centre. We had been trying to take on the old Magistrates' Court, but I don't think it's fit for purpose."

Mr Jones said young people were welcome to attend the full council meetings to voice their opinion on what they want.