THERE has been a lot of publicity about groups of youths hanging round areas of Burnley, in particular Harle Syke.

But why do these teenagers hang around like this? Why do many say they are bored with life?

Are there any willing to get involved in learning skills of camping, hiking, map reading, looking after themselves in any weather? Are they interested in camping holidays and coach trips to places of their choice?

Are there any parents interested enough in what their children are doing to be willing to get involved in helping them? Are there people, aged 17 years upwards, sufficiently interested in training to lead teenagers in these activities?

If there are, we would like to hear from them. We are the only independent group within 10 miles of Burnley and want to hear from teenagers and parents who can answer YES to the last four questions.

IAIN MacIVER (Mr), 1st Hill Lane Baden Powell Scout Group, Briercliffe, Burnley (Tel 0l282 453986).

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