Comment (From Gazette Series)

Comment

QUESTION: What is the difference between a rickety shed on a patch of overgrown grass and the favourite saying of many of the people of Berkeley?

Answer: The first is in my back yard, while the second is "Not in my back yard!"

This week has seen yet another group of residents complain to the town council about where the youth club is sited.

Last summer Berkeley experienced problems with teenagers congregating on the bench outside the town hall throughout the evenings, which caused residents to demand they were moved on.

This in turn led to efforts to create a club but, when the council suggested that the old White Hart could host it, many nearby residents came running to the monthly meeting to declare their opposition.

Now, through no fault of their own, the youths are being housed in the sports pavilion and a separate group of residents are crying foul.

The council is being met with opposition at every turn.

What do many of these residents want? The Pied Piper of Hamlin to turn up and lead all the youngsters over the hills and far away?

Berkeley, like every other town throughout the country, has youngsters to cater for and the rest of the population has to co-exist with them. They must feel absolutely sick. In their own town they are being made to feel about as welcome as wasp in a sleeping bag.