Ticking Off From Parents

Before the meeting of Ulverston Town Council, organisers of activities and youth groups were asked to give their opinion of what was needed for young people in the town.

One youngster spoke out about the lack of places for young people in the town to go.

She said: "We just want somewhere to go and meet and not get moved on by the police.

It would be great if there was a house or even a room where we could go and not get hassled by adults."

Two people in the town involved with youth groups complained about the lack of support from parents.

Leader of the 2nd Ulverston Scouts group, Bryan Caine said: "When I first started with the scouts there was numerous groups of scouts, cubs and even beavers, but now there is only one scout group.

"I don't think it is a lack of interest from the youngsters but we are unable to get adults to help with the groups."

Chairman of the Ulverston Sports Association at Dragley Beck, Steve Woodburn, said he had experienced a similar problem.

"We hold rugby league sessions for six to 18-year-olds and it is the same horses that do all the slog all the time.

We would like more parents to come and help us to take a bit of responsibility.

"Sometimes we feel like a babysitting service because on most Sundays parents drop off their youngsters and don' t pick them up to 1pm.

I don't know if some of them go back to bed or read the papers for a bit of peace but it is the same five or six people that do all the organising.

We would just like a bit more commitment from parents."

Coun Wendy Kolbe proposed that the council should set up a small working party to work with groups in the town.

She said: "The working group can work with other groups and young people in the town in a less formal atmosphere.

"We can then collate all the information about what new events are being run and what opportunities for young people there are in the town."

The council agreed the proposal and said two members of each political party would form the working party.