BORED teenagers are taking positive action to introduce more youth facilities in their towns and villages.Following a meeting last week, a series of task forces have been set up in the Kesgrave, Martlesham and Rushmere St Andrew area in a bid to get something done.

BORED teenagers are taking positive action to introduce more youth facilities in their towns and villages.

Following a meeting last week, a series of task forces have been set up in the Kesgrave, Martlesham and Rushmere St Andrew area in a bid to get something done.

Teenagers met with representatives from the police, Suffolk coastal council and Kesgrave town council to discuss what they would like to see - the result is six special 'task forces' which will look in to key areas of concern.

The idea of a youth forum arose after police called a special meeting in October in response to growing fears about the rise of petty crime and anti-social behaviour in the area.

Kesgrave town councillor Keith Beecroft has been heavily involved with the project from its inception. He said: "We had a good turnout last night and the meeting went well. We made some very positive resolutions and can start to think about moving forward."

Areas being addressed by the task forces include the possibility of a drop-in centre, a skate park, dirt jumping and a teen shelter.

Mr Beecroft said: "Funds for a shelter are already available from Kesgrave town council and Cedarwood Green has been put forward as a possible site. But it may be that the youth would prefer it on another site so we need to consult more extensively with them and find out."

Two further groups have been set up to explore the possibility of establishing more art and dance activities in the town, and to look at employing more detached youth workers for the area.

Mr Beecroft said: "Two workers were originally appointed to cover this area. Their job was to go out in the evenings and talk to young people to try and find out what they wanted to see. They've since been asked to cover a wider area, encompassing most of east Ipswich so are not able to spend as much time here."

The task groups will report back to the police and the various councils at a meeting on March 24.

N Do you think the task groups are a good idea? Are you a young person living in this area? What would you like to see done? Write in to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk or visit the forum at www.eveningstar.co.uk