I HAVE noticed over the last 20 years that many Blackburn folk have lost their drive, spirit and motivation and our teenagers are growing up the same way.

I feel that this is the long term effect of living in a deprived area.

Money is being made available for Sure Start projects for under-fours and their families but what about our teenagers?

They need out-of-school venues especially over the winter months.

Teenage years are an important time to learn social skills. Initially it may be costly to provide adequately-run facilities but in the long term it will cut vandalism, policing and neighbourhood nuisance.

Teenagers will once again feel a valued part of society.

DIANE K KERSHAW (Mrs), Parklands Way, Blackburn.