ON OCTOBER 26, 2005, the Town Council took the brave step of opening up a facility in the town specifically for our young people, namely Barcode

ON OCTOBER 26, 2005, the Town Council took the brave step of opening up a facility in the town specifically for our young people, namely Barcode.I was involved from the first meeting with the owners, and of course was pleased when enough councillors supported the idea, and it came to fruition. It continues to be supported by the Town Council and the Home Office and now the Prince's Trust.Over 500 to 700 young people a week use it, and it is a safe and friendly place for them to meet.Now it is going international with a request from ERT, Greek national TV, planning to film a documentary on the site.What a pity therefore so few of our district and town councillors have even now not been across the threshold.While I congratulate North Somerset Council on their recent good report from the Audit Commission, I think the term 'could do better' might apply.Could I ask if Cllr Peter Kehoe, executive member for children and young people, has ever been to see what the Town Council has provided? I think not, but I stand to be corrected. Colin Diamond has however supported the project with a meeting of head teachers, and support from local schools. As Barcode is run by young people perhaps councillors could ring up the manager and make an appointment to go and see just what it is that young people find so appealing.My final comment is the cost. Isn't it better to spend money on our young people in this way rather than have to clean up the graffiti, and litter, and deal with the anti social behaviour that often puts them in the courts and at a cost of £50,000 just to put a young person through the court system? What a saving!Happy birthday, Barcode, one year old on 26th.CLLR DAVID EVANSSummer Lane Ward