However although we can just look at protection against ASB we must also consider the cause. It appears to be, as normal the minority ruining it for the majority and it is always very easy to ‘tar everyone with the same brush’ and blame all young people.

Too often in society today, we are told what to do or told what we want rather than actually being asked. Money is spent on facilities and improvements for young people by authorities without those being directly affected ever being asked what they want - the result is money is wasted. 

Since April I have been involved in a very special project where representatives from the police, the parish council, youth agencies and LVC met with the youths of Linton and the surrounding villages. The purpose of the meetings was for adults and youths to engage and interact, with respect to anti-social behaviour (ASB), and to discuss why it happens, the effect on the whole community of ASB, and what can be done to alleviate ASB. The meetings were held at LVC and I thank the College for its hospitality.

The meetings were very productive. Trust was gained on all sides, and it became clear that much of the ASB (damage to property, graffiti etc.) was being initiated by a small minority. This minority can have a large influence on the group as a whole.

The youths commented that they wished for a place to meet up with their friends. The current youth shelter is hardly used. Reasons given were that is was very uncomfortable, windy and wet. There are now much better designed shelters available. It was suggested that there should be more than one shelter around the village as this would provide alternatives should groups wish to detach themselves from other groups.

The youths researched shelters and gave a short presentation on various designs. Their choice was for a metal shelter enclosed on three sides and big enough for not only their needs but also for other members of the public that may wish to use it (such as mothers with pushchairs).

The youths want to contribute towards fundraising for the project. They want to apply for grants available from charities and write to local businesses and various fundraising ideas were put forward by them. The College has pledged the money from a non-uniform day to help start the fundraising. The youths decided to call their fundraising organisation Linton Community Youth (LCY).

I ask you to support this cause in any way you can. I think I speak for everyone involved, adults and youths alike, when I say there is something very positive and ground-breaking happening. I only hope we can continue in the autumn term where we left it this summer.