ÒGIVE us somewhere to go and more things to doÓ - that is the message from the townÕs youth.

Places to meet, a cinema, alcohol-free club nights and a BMX track are just some of the facilities young people would like to see in Petersfield.

They also want more job opportunities and a better relationship with the police.

This was the message from hundreds of young people in the town who took part in a district council citizenship programme earlier this year.

The wish list will be considered by councillors when they set out their priority actions for 2004/05 next week.

Top of their list list was a meeting place in the town centre, preferably a commercial coffee shop such as Starbucks with a youth friendly atmosphere.

And second on the list was other informal meeting places where they could congregate without being viewed as a ÒnuisanceÓ.

Many suggested The Heath, with simple seating and litter bins being provided, perhaps even a Òyouth shelterÓ.

The survey of 15 and 16-year-olds at The Petersfield School revealed that young people felt that current facilities and events, such as the popular Kings Arms Youth Centre and SNAP disco, were aimed at younger teenagers.

The year 10 pupils said these were too restrictive and had too many rules.

Another popular suggestion was for an under 18s club night at venues like Vertigo Nightclub in the town.

A cinema also came close to the top of the list with teenagers pointing out that this would benefit the whole community as well as alleviating their boredom.

Young people added that transport costs to cinemas further afield were prohibitive.

They also want improved relationships with the police in Petersfield. The findings show that many commented on the poor relationship and felt teenagers were often viewed with suspicion.

They acknowledged the need for policing but said that often they Òwere all tarred with the same brushÓ.

Another area were pupils felt strongly was the provision of sports facilities.

Suggestions included improvements to the Love Lane skate park such as seating, lighting and more litter bins, and the addition of a BMX track.

BMX riders in the town saw the track they built at Sheet Common bulldozed by the town council earlier this summer.

But after protests from riders the council agreed to form a working party to look into building a track.

But the addition of floodlighting at the park looks gloomy after a planning application for lights by the town council was refused last month.

Other sports requests included gym access for under 18s at The Taro Centre.

But it was not all play, play, play. Increased job opportunities also found its way into the top 10.

Teenagers want to earn money, learn new skills and find out what sort of jobs would appeal to them for the future.

One suggestion included a website where employers could post job and volunteer opportunities for under 18s.

And of course the opportunity to earn some cash needs an opportunity to spend it.

Young people want to see more shops in the town geared towards their needs, including clothes, CDs and skate shops.

And teenagers can be hopeful that at least some of their requests may be fulfilled.

The last time the survey was conducted pupils said they would like to see a musical instrument shop in Petersfield.

The wish was seized on by former town manager Steve Johnston and within months Music Sense had opened its doors just off the High Street.

And the shopÕs owner Charles Taylor- Stokes has been in close contact with school music departments and teachers to ensure the needs of young people are met.

The survey was conducted as part of the district councilÕs citizenship programme aimed at involving teenagers in the democratic process.

The councilÕs central area community committee are set to discuss the wish list on Tuesday, September 2, when members set priority actions in the area for 2004/05.

These actions will then be taken forward for inclusion in the councilÕs 2004/05 corporate action planning process.

Councillors will also consider parish plans, town health checks, village design statements and their own community strategy when setting the priorities.