YOUNGSTERS in Axbridge want a futuristic-style youth shelter installed in The Furlong and have won the support of the town council for the project. Five youngsters and youth worker Lyndia Hind presented their plans to the town council on Monday. The small

YOUNGSTERS in Axbridge want a futuristic-style youth shelter installed in The Furlong and have won the support of the town council for the project.Five youngsters and youth worker Lyndia Hind presented their plans to the town council on Monday. The small shelter they have chosen is made of perspex and metal and will cost £5,600.The council voted to back the project with Councillor Kate Browne looking into funding sources. The authority believes the best spot for the shelter is a central position between the car park and school playing field.But Cllr Dennis Bratt said: "Having been involved with the youth for the last 30 years, I don't think it's appropriate to have a shelter on The Furlong at this time."So many times police are called on dark nights because of gangs of youths on The Furlong. They get up to all sorts of trouble."The appropriate time to have a shelter is when we have improved security there."The council is not insured to have children there after dusk. If we had a youth shelter we are asking for trouble at this time."Any shelter should follow a proper plan on how we want The Furlong to end up. We've said we don't want it to develop as a shanty town. The police said they would oppose any shelter on The Furlong."Cllr Priscilla Chard said: "One thing this project has shown is there are responsible young people in this town. We must encourage those good elements and not be negative."I take on what Cllr Bratt has to say and that there is concern, but we must do all we can to help the responsible young people."Several youngsters will go on an 11km trek in June to help raise cash for the project.