Have young people got the toughest deal as cutbacks start to bite?

YOUNG people have got the sympathy of Midweek Herald readers, who feel they are getting a particularly raw deal in the wake of Government spending cuts.

A reduction in children’s services, the introduction of higher university fees and diminishing job opportunities are just some of the obstacles facing today’s youth.

Adults say they feel sorry for young people today and would not want to be in their shoes.

Jessie Hay, 70, said: “I do feel sorry for young people. I don’t think they have much to look forward to.

“I wouldn’t want to be in their position, because they have got no future.

“I have worked all my life, because there were jobs out there, but that’s not the case now.”

Mike Greenway, 49, said: “There should be more apprenticeships and opportunities for young people.

“They need more things to do.”

Caroline Lawrence, 46, of Dalwood, said: “I do feel sorry for young people, as I have two young sons.

“The prospect of jobs keep going and you are not sure what is going to happen at the end of it, if young people go to university. We’ve got quite an active village, which does very well, but it is limited as to what it can do for young people.

“I just think, is there anything else to cut?”

Judy Weeks, of Charmouth, said: “I do feel sorry for them. The cuts and increasing university fees is wrong; they shouldn’t have to pay that money, because grants are so difficult to get.

“I know they have got to cut money from somewhere.

“Councils and the Government shouldn’t cut services for young people at the moment.

“More jobs and things should be provided for them.

“When I was young, you could get a job in Woolworths – you can’t even do that now.

“Councils shouldn’t cut services for young people at the moment.”

Lorraine Cross, 42, of Seaton, said: “I do feel sorry for them. I wouldn’t want to be a young person today.

“I don’t think services for children and young people should be cut. There is nothing for young people to do

“We have got to invest in their future.”

Vera Lock, 85, of Seaton, said: “Where are young people going to find jobs when they are being cut - what is wrong with the Government?”