RESIDENTS of Bordon's Pinewood Village fiercely objected to the proposal of a youth shelter in Ennerdale Road at a public meeting held on Monday, April 21. Installing a Youth Pod, which was proposed and supported by Whitehill Police, would provide a covered seated area for the young people in the area as a means to prevent anti-social behaviour. Youth Pods in Headley and Liss have proved very popular with young people in the area. PCSO John Terry, who led the meeting, said: "There are concerns that the youth pod will encourage children to behave in an inappropriate manner but evidence from Headley and Liss show that anti- social and criminal behaviour is reduced. "The youth pod in Headley, which has been there for around eight months, is really well-used and hasn't had any complaints so far while the one in Liss has seen no problems and all the kids love it. "Youth Pods are something that belong to the young people – it's something that they can take ownership of and look after and that's why they don't misbehave." However, many residents at the busy meeting felt that a youth pod would not deter youngsters from anti-social behaviour but would encourage it. One resident said: "You'll just be moving the problem. The young people will spill out of the youth pod and they'll spread out. They stay out late, and their comings and goings can be very noisy – not to mention the smashing of bottles." PCSO Terry said: "The majority of the young people in the area are nice and the problem children are being dealt with. " He urged residents who experience problems of witness anti-social behaviour to call the police on the non-emergency 101 number. Police reassurances left many residents unconvinced however, with some expressing no confidence in their local law-enforcers. One resident said: "The police don't exactly inspire confidence because we're just not sure that you'll come out when we call you." Helen Murphy from East Hampshire District Council invited residents to get involved with the community and join a Neighbourhood Watch-style scheme. She said: "There are only a certain amount of police officers and PCSOs available to us, and we can all appreciate that. "However, if residents would like to take ownership of the area we would encourage them to join Street Watch. "Street Watch is a great scheme and has been really successful so far. Patrols of two walk around the streets and report any litter or anti-social behaviour to the police." When put to the vote, 17 residents objected to the proposals and just two voted for the youth pod. Following the meeting, district councillor Ian Dowdle said: "The people have had their say. They voted and it's not going to go ahead. "There were a lot of good points raised at the meeting, because they were raised by the people that live here 24 hours a day, seven days a week. "The meeting demonstrated an overwhelming opinion that the youth pod was not welcome. "It wouldn't have been a success if it had gone ahead, and we, as taxpayers, have therefore saved the £10,000 it would have cost to put up." The money will now be retained until a solution is found. The area of scrubland on Ennerdale road was also discussed at the meeting, and was agreed that the area should be cleared. As a hotspot for litter and anti-social behaviour, many residents believed that the area should be cleared of the brambles and nettles. The next Street Watch meeting is on June 4.
