TWO weeks ago we saw a front page picture of residents toasting with champagne their "victory" in preventing the development of Fair Elms as a centre for "problem teenagers".

During the last year I have been involved in two outdoor activity sessions for these very same "problem teenagers", currently at Bolton-le-Sands.

On both occasions I have been impressed, not only by their ability to enjoy an activity with good humour and easy self-discipline, but also by the cheerful abundance of politeness and gratitude - qualities that we so often claim are lacking in young people.

Perhaps, when the champagne bubbles are gone, we should reflect that is adults and adult society, not the children themselves, that are responsible for their "problems".

These youngsters have had a lot to contend with during crucial years of their lives, I doubt whether any of them have chosen to live in a children's home.

I hope that this victorious decision does not serve to increase the sense of rejection and alienation that so many of them must already feel.

David Saul

Ingleton Drive

Lancaster

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.