Young people 'frustrated' by Bexhill attitudes

He has warned youths are becoming increasingly "frustrated" by the situation in Bexhill and town leaders should not be surprised when they leave.

Praising the contribution of youth groups in the wake of the recent rejection of the Bexhill High tennis centre plans and debates on promenade "skate louts", he says if Bexhill cannot attract young people it will be, "left with a very serious problem."

Joseph (pictured), Hastings and Rother YMP for the past year, said: "In recent weeks, young people have shown Bexhill a number of things.

"Firstly, they have shown the town that young people are willing to put their views and opinions across, and to do so in a clear and logical way. This has always been argued by myself and my colleagues, and we are confident that young people will continue to do so.

"Secondly, it has shown they are increasingly frustrated with a town which seems to offer them little by way of recreational facilities, and which has only complaints in the face of their serious attempts to do something they find interesting and stimulating."

"Finally, it has raised the issue of Bexhill's future, and we, as young people are that future. To paraphrase the words of a well respected past teacher of Bexhill High 'Let no one complain when young people spend their money elsewhere, or when businesses cannot be attracted to the area because of an insufficiently sized workforce.'

"Young people deserve an equal voice in the structuring of community facilities, because we are members of the community, but also because we have a special position to fill, as any plans for the future will fall to us to fulfil. If young people leave because they feel Bexhill has little to offer them or their future families, we are left with a very serious problem.

"Young people have written in expressing their disappointment on the decision not to fund the tennis facility planned for the Gunters Lane site, as well as their justified anger at being tagged 'skateboarding louts.' Recently there were 11 Observer letters clearly identified as being from young people, all with very valid points. As Youth MP and chairman of Bexhill Youth Council, I have and will continue to draw attention to the problems that young people face, as well as what can sometimes only be called discrimination."

Joseph said he and his colleagues were entering into dialogue with councillors over the skating issue.

"The majority of skaters, as has been highlighted time and again by both adults and young people, are peacefully engaging in an recreational activity with their friends, in the same way other age groups might go for a walk with their friends, or meet them in a caf.

"Being safe is also another important consideration, young people are the most likely age group to be victims of crime, and being with others in an open, easily accessible area is of crucial importance."

He expressed his delight in the achievements of the Bexhill Young People's Services who were recently awarded a 144,000 lottery grant.