ODIHAM Parish Council has held a series of consultations with young people to try to grasp a better idea of what facilities they would like to see.

Russell Haines spent time conducting research among young people in the parish with the views being shared via socioal media on July 11.

The parish council-commissioned sessions were based on the imminent funding aimed at improving amenities for teens that will come from the Hatchwood/Montfort Place development.

The parish council also says it has a desire to make sure that the intended users have “input into the nature and location of the equipment that this money might be able to provide”.

The results showed that the most popular facilities were a covered venue to meet, preferably with Wi-Fi.

Other suggestions included a zip wire and/or climbing facilities, a concrete skate area, an overhaul of the existing basketball court next to Leapfrogs Nursery, with the option of floodlights and trim trail/fitness equipment.

The council says from the consultations that there was “an over-riding preference for siting any facilities centrally with Baker Hall and the Recreation Ground”, which both proved to be the preferred locations from the group of teens quizzed.

Some of the concerns expressed were in regards to accessibility of a proposed site near the Wharf and also the safety should a BMX track at Bartley Heath be introduced, while the provision of a cycle way, while featuring highly, was generally knocked back.

All three groups consulted showed little interest in Montfort Place (Hatchwood) as a location for facilities.

The council will now consider the suggestions made along with input from residents and Hart District Council.

The council said: “The next steps are to look into initial costings to see what is realistically achievable. We hope to follow this by conducting a follow up survey via Survey Monkey to gain a definitive view of the most popular ideas with the wider community.”

Residents responding on Facebook represented both sides of the argument.

One said: “I like the ideas and I also think from a safety point of view any facility needs to be central to the village not on the outskirts.

“They need to feel safe and as a parent/ grandparent I would not want my children as far out as Hatchwoods where they are close to a main road where anyone could drive by and ‘grab/ assault’ them.

“They need to be in a safe area, just because they are teenagers they are still vulnerable.”

They did however also note how any potential changes must suit all those in the village, not just teenagers.

They added: “If they are going to use facilities in a central area they need to do so with respect for neighbours, and for the items made available, one possible option could be to involve them with the siting and installation.”