NEW moves have been made to secure both short and long-term provision of facilities for young people within Farnham town centre.

More than 50 people attended a public meeting which called for a community group to liaise with Waverley Borough Council on options for youth provision in the East Street regeneration scheme.

Residents and councillors attending also recognised a need for an immediate solution, resulting in a proposal to extend the limited opening hours of Farnham Youth Project in Dogflud Way.

The meeting was organised by the Bourne Children and Youth Initiative (BCYI), and Farnham Christian Community Trust (FCCT), in response to a failed bid for a comprehensive youth facility at Montrose House in South Street.

The meeting was chaired by the Rev David Adams of the youth initiative, and speakers included Mary Wethey, of Surrey Youth Services, and borough councillors David Munro and Rosemary Thomas, who had all keenly supported the Montrose House plan.

Mr Munro said he felt "depressed at the blinkered and suspicious minds" of those who had objected to their attempt to set up a facility, but that he would continue undaunted.

He added: "I see a real future for youth in the East Street scheme, but the political bickering over it must stop. We must make sure it is developed in the right way and ensure it is something we can be proud of."

Mrs Thomas confirmed provision for young people within East Street plans had been made by developers.

However, she added, residents needed to find a voice in order to deliver a coherent message to Waverley Borough Council on the issue. She proposed forming a community liaison group for this purpose.

Several Farnham youngsters who, in last week's Herald, expressed concern at the situation, put their views across.

Adam Durrant (15), said they needed somewhere central for advice and support, with a common room where they could relax and watch films.

Daniel Guttridge (15), added that they wanted a place which had a room where confidential advice was available and hoped they could find a location "as soon as possible, with as little hassle as possible".

Paula Willis, from Heath End School, believed everyone needed to work together to find a venue, but like many young people in the town, felt frustrated by current facilities.

Supporting their message was Tracy Scares, of Surrey Youth Services, who has been working with children on an anti-graffiti initiative on the Sandy Hill Estate.

She said: "You can get so much back from young people. I work with 40 youngsters, and by giving them some time and respect and telling them they are worth something, their feedback and help has been amazing."

Adding that they deserved a decent facility in the town, she said there was no reason why there should be any delay in finding somewhere suitable.

David Adams said that the youth initiative had been disappointed by the failure of the Montrose plans, but he was optimistic a new location could be found.

He said: "We want to keep the needs of young people on the priority list of those who shape the town's future," and he added that they could not be complacent in persuading others of the genuine need for a wide-ranging centre.

The meeting closed with the BYCI and FCCT being appointed as a steering group to help create an East Street liaison group. It was also agreed Farnham Youth Project should conduct a review of its services.

According to a statement from the charity which operates the project, it is now considering opening on a Saturday.