Young people in Borehamwood are to be asked for their views on youth facilities in a bid to tackle the town's longstanding problems with teenage disorder.

An open day has been organised by Hertsmere Borough Council to find out what kind of activities young people would like to see provided in Borehamwood.

The move follows the launch of an ongoing police operation, in July, to address the anti-social behaviour of youths drinking on town centre streets at night.

The council this week pledged to do its utmost to raise enough money to offer the kinds of facilities and activities which the town's teenagers would use.

Councillor Morris Bright, portfolio holder for leisure and environment, said: "It is high time we listened to young people.

"There is no reason why we cannot work together to achieve what they want."

The consultation event will take place at Farriers Way Hall on Thursday, January 3, when free pizza will be dished out to those young people who take part.

County council youth workers are currently looking into the possibility of opening an 'internet cafe' in the town centre, as a meeting place for teenagers.

The idea is supported by members of Elstree and Borehamwood Youth Council, a panel established by the town council to discuss youth issues in the area.

Vice chairman Richard Butler, aged 16, said: "People need a place where they can relax and hang around.

"A place which they can run and take responsibility for."

He felt that the town's existing youth facilities, such as The Lair Youth Club, failed to appeal to older teenagers, some of whom gathered on the streets.

Ellis German, the youth council's chairman, suggested that a building with a pool table, arcade games and music equipment could be an ideal meeting place.

The county council this week said a deal to buy a premises in the town centre for a youth cafe had fallen through, but it was still searching for a suitable property.

At the open day teenagers' views will be recorded, on paper and video, and the evidence could be used to support any council bids for lottery funding.

The opinions given will also assist the council in developing activities, to be run through the Three Ways, Farriers Way and Aberford Hall community centres.

Jeni Wills, the council's arts development officer, said: "This is a unique opportunity for young people to speak their minds, sound off and let us know what they would like to see in the town."

Police are currently carrying out patrols to target teenage drinkers on weekend nights, largely in response to vandalism in the Grosvenor Road area.

Information on drug and health issues will be available at the consultation event, to be held between 12 noon and 6pm, at the hall, in Farriers Way, Borehamwood.

December 12, 2001 17:34

MARK FOY