Youth Shelters? by Don Jones

Youth shelters are becoming more popular around the country. The idea is that young people have their own space in an area that has been agreed by the community. Youngsters hanging around bus stops and convenience shops can be intimidating for many people. We want to work with local people to see if a youth shelter would work in Devizes.

The structures have relatively open sides so they are not 'hidey holes'. They also tend to have sloping seats to deter rough-sleepers. Some residents might day "we never had that kind of thing in our day" but times change. We have a different society now with different issues - and disaffected youth is one of those issues.

So, what are the benefits? The young people get a place to go and meet which is non-confrontational. If it has a sport facility associated with it then there's more to do. The benefits for the wider community can include less vandalism, less graffiti, lower maintenance costs and reduced fear of crime. It could be a winner all round!

Don Jones is Mayor of Devizes for May 2006-7. He's keen to hear your feedback on the idea of youth shelters - donjones@devizeslibdems.gov.uk