Warwick teenagers caught up in a drink and drugs nightmare desperately need a community and cultural centre, a public meeting heard this week.

Many youngsters were calling out for a new direction in their lives, it was claimed.

Mr. Butch Ray, owner of Lines Food and Liquor Mart, described the proposed centre as a "must.'' The outside of his store is used as a regular hang-out for wayward youngsters.

"I think a centre would definitely have a positive effect,'' he said.

He added: "In their defence I find many of the young people are reaching out for direction.'' Just over 30 people attended the meeting at Warwick Secondary School, and gave overwhelming support for a centre.

The proposal has been put forward by Mr. Sinclair Furbert, ex-president of Pembroke Community Centre.

Among those present on Tuesday night were Education Minister the Hon. Gerald Simons, MP for Warwick East, and Youth and Sports Minister the Hon. Pamela Gordon.

Members of the Ord Road/Spring Hill Against Drugs group (ORHSAD) also attended.

The group has claimed big successes in ridding the area, which includes Mr.

Ray's store, of drug activity.

ORSHAD member Mrs. Lynanne Bolton, said Warwick residents seemed to back the proposed centre -- despite the low turn-out at the meeting.

She warned, however, against a centre "degenerating'' into an alternative hang-out for young people.

"I think we need to have a centre, but not jump at it. It's got to be done in a careful way,'' she said.

Mrs. Bolton added it was important to examine ways of making better use of current facilities in the parish.

Astwood Park and the riding school could be developed, for instance, she said.

"There is also a lack of playground facilities,'' she added.

Another ORSHAD member, Mr. Tim Smith, suggested a community centre should target young people exclusively.

"Why are we afraid of tackling the youth problem? There are young people falling through the cracks in society.'' Warwick resident and singer Mr. Reid Furbert applauded the proposal. He suggested a nucleus of people with specific talents should be organised to lay the groundwork for the centre.

"We need to get a nucleus, set a plan, and then go from there,'' he said.

Another local resident Mrs. Lois Stafford suggested possible facilities for a centre: an employment service, counselling centre, an after-school programme, and restaurant.

Mr. Troy Simons urged that improved links be set up between current facilities in the parish. He warned a centre could be an over-ambitious project during a deep recession.

Education Minister, the Hon. Gerald Simons, suggested a list of local social services be compiled, and distributed.

"There is a need to compile a good deal of information so people can take advantage of the services currently in existence.'' His new Cabinet colleague Sen. Gordon said Government was willing to act as a partner in the proposal should Warwick people show sufficient commitment.

Afterwards, Mr. Furbert said he planned to stage further public meetings to increase momentum for his idea.

"At this stage it's too early to say for sure whether a centre will be set up,'' he said.

"I am very encouraged by the positive response from tonight's meeting, however, and names have been taken of those willing to help.

"Hopefully a provisional steering committee will be set up before the next meeting.''