CALLS FOR YOUTH SHELTER TO BE REMOVED QUASHED

Town Councillors have decided to overturn calls to remove a youth shelter in Hailsham due to regular litter problems.

The shelter was installed at the Western Road Recreation Ground in June this year and has given youngsters in town somewhere to meet and socialise. However, there have been many social media posts complaining about the amount of litter left at the site despite the nearby bins.

In a Hailsham Town Council Assets meeting (28 September), Councillors heard from Andy Joyes from the Hailsham Youth Service who listed the numerous benefits of the shelter, including reports that anti-social behaviour has reduced in the town centre since it was installed.

Police and local supermarkets have reported to Mr Joyes that they have seen a significant reduction in crime in the last two months - he says this massively outweighs a litter problem in the recreation ground.

Dog walkers and families have also been seen to use the shelter throughout the day and evenings. Andy also reported that a homeless person used it to shelter one night, which is a positive as the Youth Service has now found help for them via Wealden District Council.

Councillor Chris Bryant told the committee: “Removing the shelter is a nuclear reaction to the problem. In fact, there are so many positives to it being there and so much work is happening behind the scenes to make sure it’s being used correctly and the Youth Service is working well with the people who use it.” He added: “We [the Council] should be publicising more what we, and the Youth Service, is doing behind the scenes, so residents are more aware of the work being done.

Councillors voted unanimously voted to keep the shelter and continue to work with the Police and Youth Service to overcome any problems.

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