Canvey Island Independent Party Councillor has called for Castle Point Council to establish a Youth Club premises at The Paddocks.

There is no doubt that youngsters need a safe place to enjoy themselves and let off steam but in the middle of a residential area is not the correct place. The Images Youth Club in the Old Post Office at Furtherwick Road is not being regularly used so why does the Councillor think we need another club?

The centre would be a magnet for troublemakers and whilst inside the club there would be supervision, how on earth could they protect the surrounding area outside. The Police are already overstretched so how will they feel about the Canvey Independent Councillors madcap plan?

I think that the over-used mantra of ‘There is nothing for the kids to do’, is just a poor excuse by some parents to justify the mindless damage caused by unruly youths. When I was a child I was taught right from wrong!?

Islanders around the Paddocks are displaying my ‘ ‘No to Paddocks youth club’ posters in protest.