Teenagers made their voices heard about what activities they would like in Borehamwood, following months of debate by adult politicians.
Over the past year, suggestions put forward by borough, town and county councillors have included a youth centre in Clarendon Park and an internet cafe in Shenley Road.
But, last week, in the first consultation of its kind for five years, around 30 youngsters, aged 12 to 17, attended an event organised by Hertsmere Borough Council, where free pizza was handed out.
Their suggestions, given in a questionnaire, included: a self-financing youth club, run by adults and youngsters; a motorbike club; a night-club; singing lessons, and activities focusing on football, skateboarding, self-defence and conservation.
A skateboarding park is already being created in Borehamwood's Maxwell Park, and organised motorbiking for youngsters was suggested at a public meeting in November to address complaints about youths riding motorbikes in The Campions. The youngsters who attended the meeting at Farriers Way Hall last Thursday, did not specifically request an internet cafe, although they did suggest computer classes.
They said their most popular pastimes were: hanging around with friends; going to parks; football and pop music.
The survey also revealed that around a quarter of the youngsters had experienced bullying, and that they had the same concerns as adults about crime.
They were also able to air their views in a video-booth, similar to the diary-room in the television docu-soap Big Brother.
The consultation will be used by the council when it forms its strategies for cultural activities, community safety and community plans, for the next five years.
Hertsmere's cultural services officer for youth and arts, Jennifer Wills, said the council wanted to involve young people more in decisions on issues affecting them, and added of the survey: "It means we can get some idea of what of the young people want, rather than what adults think they want."
Councillor Morris Bright, the executive member for leisure and environment, said: "Any opportunity for the youths of our communities to express their views, and have their opinions and ideas listened to, can only be good for our borough."
Free non-alcoholic cocktails and pizza will be served at four similar meetings to be held early this year, with the first at The Radlett Youth Club, 2 Loom Lane, from 6pm to 8pm on January 24.
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