VILLAGE shops could close unless locals back Westleigh businesses.

Community leaders fear dwindling trade could soon kill off the corner shop - because the sight of loitering teenagers persuades shoppers to go elsewhere.

Now they are urging the authorities to waive red tape and give the all-clear for a community centre to get kids off the streets.

"Westleigh is losing shops at an alarming rate. We have already lost a grocer's shop and a newsagent, another shop is closing and one is up for sale.

"If we do not use the local amenities we will lose them," acting chairman Carol Rawson told Westleigh Community Partnership.

Secretary Pam Stewart argued that bored teenagers were partly responsible, but highlighted a lack of facilities to occupy them.

"People don't pop into the local shops like they use to - they go elsewhere rather than trip over bikes or have abuse hurled at them.

"But the teenagers have nowhere to go. How can youth outreach workers deal with them on street corners? The kids air their grievances for an hour and then it's back to normal. A drop-in centre is a priority

"These kids are what we have made them. I'd hate to be a teenager today, they are being knocked all the time, but most just want pointing in the right direction. A drop-in centre should be a priority."

And she highlighted their frustration over officialdom:"The plan to try to buy Jitt's shop as a community centre has met with problems. A senior SRB official will not sanction a surveyor's inspection, to see if the premises would be suitable, without a detailed business plan from us.

"What's the point in spending time on that if the premises are no use?".

"It seems we get problems with officialdom whenever an idea is forwarded."

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