Problem children

[Cairns]

Rather than blame the children for hanging about the street and causing trouble. May I ask where are the parents, giving them bus fares and sending them down to Porty for the day is not the answer. Our children are our responsibility not everyone elses.

[Old Git]

[Rachel]

[Guest]

[Epykat]

[sample808]

the beach is a draw for kids from all over edinburgh - just as it is for the hundreds of visitors who come from all over. i think the focus should really be down there. i have already commented on the plans for "the paddy" and the need for some kind of focal point for the whole community down on the prom, run by people who are willing to keep an eye on things. the beach, after all, is one of this communities most prized assets.

[Cynthia]

The Youth Club is very good - from my bumping into them and working along side them in Porty C Centre - the staff and the young people seem concerned to build up a really good use of the Centre by young people and give them a safe place to be themselves and do what they want to do - young people are often the butt of prejudice too - and are often unsafe when out and about so they tend, I am told, to hang about in groups for their own safety but this can look intimidating to others. I am not saying gangs with trouble in mind don't exist - some of the crimes against young people are by other young people - but I tend to think that there is probably not enough for young people to do e.g. whatever happened to the skate park that was suggested eons ago - the young people involved in this idea over 10 years ago must be 25 years old now! still its being discussed and hasn't happened. And not all yp want to skate - but want a whole range of cheap or free things to do (because they don't have money to go into cinemas, etc) e.g. sport, discussion groups, art, just hanging about together - can't speak for them - and hope some young people will contribute to this thread - but from a nearly 50 something's point of view I would think a Youth Cafe in the evgs and weekends, with films, discos etc - would be a great idea and one of the empty shops or the C Centre, would be a good venue - but it would need money for staff - probably not a lot as they probably don't unfortunately get paid a lot - but enough to staff it unsocial hours and properly supervise it but make sure it is a good venue for young people to come out to and be involved in running etc - just a few thoughts - certainly I would support an extension of funding for the existing Youth activities at Porty C C on a Thursday night (and Fri now??) Carla