For years Hertsmere's politicians have been saying something needed to be done to keep young people off the streets at night.

Earlier this year Hertsmere Council ran events where it asked teenagers what facilities they thought the town was lacking, and promised that eventually extra youth activities would be provided.

The council wanted to draw young people away from the gangs that gather around Shenley Road at night.

Now a town businessman plans to provide a facility which would cater for one of the few activities that is truly popular among Borehamwood's younger residents football.

Boreham Wood Football Club's chairman Danny Hunter hopes to build a synthetic football pitch, which would be available for schools and youth football teams.

It would mean losing a small part of Meadow Park, but surely that must be worth it.

If they do not support this project, they may lose credibility among the next generation of voters.

June 19, 2002 16:30