I RATHER feel Elaine Harding has given us grannies a bad name with her letter Waste of Time printed in the March 31 issue of the Times.

I RATHER feel Elaine Harding has given us grannies a bad name with her letter 'Waste of Time' printed in the March 31 issue of the Times.

I have lived in Portishead all my life and there has never been adequate facilities for the young.

It appears that just like Ms Harding, aging members of the council, (yes, I'm talking about you Mr Pasley) also wish to let Portishead remain a retirement village. The truth is our town is increasing in size and population and it has a large percentage of youth who are too old for picnics and playing on the swing.

I have spent many holidays in Seaton, Devon, and they have a splendid skatepark which only attracts talent, not trouble, and it is a pleasure to watch people of all ages skate and perform stunts on these ramps.

There has been a lot written in the media, often coming from the lips of politicians, to suggest that a skatepark will attract trouble. Well I suggest that this is rubbish and I would also suggest that we all show the younger generation some respect for a change.

On a final note, the Government is always talking about obesity and exercise for the young and skating is a brilliant sport, why not encourage it? I have.

S JONES

Brendon Road, Portishead