I AM writing about the lack of public leisure facilities for young people. Doubtless you are already aware that if teenagers had more to do, they would be less likely to encounter the police as often.

What the economic cost to the council tax payer of the recent "tram surfing" incident in Prestwich was, can only be guessed at.

If one takes into account the waste of police, ambulance and hospital resources, together with the paralysis of the Metrolink system, the lost time and fare revenue and the fact that, like me, some of these people will just use their car in future, then the bill must be enormous.

Seen in the light of just this one instance of mis-spent youth, the timeworn "lack of public funds" argument can only be seen as muddled thinking. I am not suggesting that there is a direct correlation between A and B. Boys will continue to be idiotic boys on occasion, no matter what we do.

I doubt if anyone could put their hand on their heart and say that, even if young people could get their kicks more constructively, then it would have no effect at all.

Nor could anyone say that social facilities for the young are not few, far between, and expensive for them to access. I know, as I have to take my teenage son to basketball club in Stockport twice a week.

The Bury team plays in Trafford at a hall that is not easily accessible by public transport. I will not be using the Metrolink in future as I cannot afford the time to share it with the large number of "tram surfers" that will probably result from current policy.

Many towns have now built skate parks. These are relatively cheap with low maintenance costs. I had heard that one was planned for Prestwich. Is this true and if so, when can we expect it? Will my 14-year-old son still be a teenager?

MICHAEL CARR,

Ruskin Road,

Prestwich.