I THINK that the possible Egyptian-style casino and conference centre in Blackpool is potentially excellent news for the tourism industry here.

However, I am writing to highlight the plight of the Blackpool youth. Repeatedly, we hear from people rightly complaining about kids hanging around on street corners or causing a nuisance or damage.

I would never attempt to justify such behaviour, but I do firmly believe that in many instances this is a consequence of a long-term "non-policy" which ignores this section of our community. We are all in this together -- it cannot be allowed to degenerate into an "us and them" argument.

As youth officer (I am 17) for the Blackpool First Alliance, we recently carried out a survey of the opinions of locals in the age range 10-18. Time and again the response from the vast majority was "there's nothing to do" and "there's nowhere to go". Additional input from parents highlighted safety issues, particularly for those with younger kids.

I can imagine that there are some people tearing their hair out on reading this and I do sympathise with them if they have been affected.

Chasing kids away from one street corner to another simply isn't the answer. Ask yourselves honestly, where do these kids have to go and what is there for them to do? We are seeing more and more of our green spaces disappearing by being built on. Local play parks for the young are being vandalised and are unsafe in the evenings. One adult recently suggested that kids had plenty to do at the Pleasure Beach, Tower, amusement arcades etc. Who on earth do they think they are kidding? Are they really suggesting that local adults, let alone kids, have enough money to frequent these places on a regular basis.? Life for under 21s is seven days a week as well!

This Labour council is not pursuing a policy of opening community and leisure centres for locals. Once again they are burying their heads in the sand and ignoring the problems of residents hoping that they'll go away.

Centres should be of great use for the whole community and not just the young. I for one am sick and tired of being ignored by them.

During the recent local elections I cannot recall even one reference to a constructive policy for our youths from any of the national parties. This position is probably due to under 18s not having a vote.

In stark contrast, the Alliance is developing realistic youth policies and if anyone would like to help progress this, young or old, I can be contacted on (01253) 341176. Things will never improve until we solve the problems.

Vickie Finlay,

Youth policy development officer,

Blackpool First Alliance,

Faringdon Avenue, Blackpool