I REFER to KJ Thomson's letter on Citizen, February 10 concerning more recreation facilities for Ryelands Estate.

I grew up and lived on that estate for many years so I know a great deal about the area.

KJ Thomson feels the estate needs a purpose-built recreation centre.

Is this as well as the Ryelands Resource Centre at Ryelands School, along with the recently opened Advice Centre at 99, Ryelands Road? Salt Ayre recreation centre is approximately half a mile away; Ryelands Park is adjacent; Skerton Community Centre is also in close proximity to the estate.

St Chad's Hall was mentioned - good.

Successful well-organised scouts, guides, Cubs and Brownies units are on hand. These organisations also have their well organised trouble-free parties/discos etc at Christmas and at other appropriate times.

More than £5.5 million of tax-payers' money was, quite rightly, spent on refurbishing the estate in the 1980s-90s, and more money has since been ploughed in. However, further public funding towards Ryelands whether by taxes, rates or lottery funds must have a limit - profligate spending by the city council needs to be checked. We are all paying far too much towards one housing estate.z If I may revert to St Chad's Hall. A youth club was set up in the seventies along the lines envisaged by KJ Thomson. It was successful to a point.

It was then suggested to have discos. That was when the trouble started There were problems with gate-crashing and under-age alcohol fuelled fighting, vandalism and abusive language to name but three. The police were called on several occasions: in the end it was not worth it and the youth club closed down.

No, KJ Thomson, it has all been done before, and I have not the slightest doubt that all the foregoing anti-social behaviour is just waiting for another venue to present itself.

One further point: residents who live in close proximity to these venues or en-route to them, have to tolerate nuisance from the said disruptive fraternity - Salter Fell Road is spared that problem - you should count your blessings.

Finally, times, they are a-changing.

Home-based computer systems, electronic games and videos appear to make today's youngsters more home-orientated. Sad, but true.

And in the vicinity of Ryelands estate outdoor sport such as football, rugby, athletics, etc have good provision. The time will come when a club for INDOOR activities will simply not be required.

Name and Address Supplied

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