[Margaret Pilkington]

When I was young we didn't have any money......we could go to the pictures maybe once a week. We used to go to the local youth club.....yeah it was run by the church.....but you were welcome whether you attended the church or not......we used to play records and dance and we got a cup of tea or a soft drink and biscuits for 2d. During the lighter nights we would go up to Bullough park and play on the swings and the roundabouts......yeah, I suppose you are saying that is kids stuff......but we were still kids at 14 and 15. We would ride bikes, make bogey carts and such......I don't remember there being much malicious behaviour......and we certainly didn't intimidate people who were out on the streets. Recently I was in Padiham......I was waiting for a lift.....my mother was with me in her wheelchair.....a gang of youths, the eldest of which could only have been maybe 14 were circling round us and making us feel very uncomfortable.....they were swearing and making derogatory comments. This was at 7 pm in the evening. If that is how these young people get their 'fun' then I think it is a poor show. I am not saying that you are like this Samf......but there are an awful lot of youngsters out on the streets who are.