A RESIDENT from Home Park retirement flats has defended complaints made against plans for a multi-purpose youth centre at Montrose House in South Street.

Mr George Stanhope-Gant denied there had been prejudice against young people in several residents deciding to lodge objections over the plan, fearing crime and disturbance.

Disapproval had also been expressed by the town council and Citizens Advice Bureau. This resulted in members of Waverley Borough Council western area planning committee rejecting it - against its officers advice - on grounds of unsuitability.

But, according to Mr Stanhope-Gant, Home Park residents respect many young people in the town, but feel the majority are let down by the minority who have caused vandalism in the area and behaved in an anti-social way.

Demonstrating the problem, he highlighted the fact that the adjacent Victoria Gardens has been continually targeted by vandals and the nearby council offices covered in graffiti.

Security also proved an issue, and he was aware that three teenagers recently broke into the Liberal Club in South Street and were caught by its manager.

They also believed there would be an increase in traffic and noise disturbance for residents if the centre were to open there. He said that several frail residents had felt threatened by youngsters using skateboards in the area.

Given these factors, they believe the best use for the building would be for the CAB, which he pointed out could offer teens advice on a range of issues.

In addition, he said, schools in the area already had their own personal advice facilities.

"Although we are elderly, we are not stupid. We feel there is an anti-age feeling as a result of this, especially with young people.

"We do not dislike them, but admire their courage, ambitions and the work they do. Yet their being there only attracts the bad side of things."

He added: "We just do not think this is the right situation for them at Montrose House, which is near three retirement homes.

"There are other facilities for them - the sports centre, Farnham Youth Project, skate park and tennis courts.

On the current church run youth centre in South Street, The Hubbub, he said residents perceived a lack of supervision for youngsters, despite qualified youth workers being on site.

The Farnham Youth Consultative Group, behind the bid for the use of Montrose House, are continuing to press Waverley Borough Council to find an alternative location. A public meeting to discuss its options is being held at 7-30 pm on July 3 at Church House.