A group of about 60 Somerset residents earlier this week took advantage of a direct connection to Government's ear and aired concerns about the festering problem of gang activity on the Island's west end.

The issue was raised in a question and answer period at a town-hall style meeting held at St. James Church Hall with Premier David Saul, Minister of Home Affairs and Public Safety Quinton Edness, and Youth and Sports Minister Tim Smith in attendance.

Responding to initial questions of what Government was doing to suppress gang activity, Premier Saul seemed somewhat surprised that the issue was even being raised.

"I thought these problems had been dealt with? There are still bad areas? I know there were problems at the Catholic Church (St. Joseph's) and the cricket club,'' he said.

The panel was told that gangs of youth are continuing to congregate around Cambridge Road, Beacon Hill, Broom Hill and Arnold's Supermarket area, and their presence intimidates visitors staying at the Cambridge Beach Hotel.

One resident suggested Government use emergency powers to restrict groups of people greater than four from congregating.

Premier Saul responded that was perhaps a bit of an over-reaction and handed the issue over to the Minister of Public Safety Quinton Edness, who suggested residents let Police handle the problem.

Mr. Edness went on to say another way to handle the gangs was for the community to stand together, to unite, and to confront the problem.

Premier Saul joined in, urging residents to take back their neighbourhoods.

For the past two years one resident complained, he had been trying to get action from Police and wondered aloud `where are they'.

"Good question,'' responded Dr. Saul.

Manager of the Cambridge Beaches resort Mike Winfield later told The Royal Gazette the most serious issue facing Bermuda is drugs and crime and how it impacts the tourism industry.

And his guests have indeed raised concerns over groups of youths hanging around Arnold's, the nearby Esso gas station, and Gosling Bros. outlet.

"And guests have commented,'' he said, "saying things like `Bermuda isn't what it used to be, or what's going on down there'.'' Some of his visitors have been intimidated and subject to rude behaviour, he added.

"We need two things -- there has to be a place for young people to get together, and we have to make it clear that crime won't be tolerated in Bermuda,'' he said.

Residents also raised concerns about youths speeding along the Railway Trail, suggesting the route be closed to all but livery cycles.

Premier Saul noted Bermudians have been using the trail for access for years and have by convention established it as a right of way, especially for landlocked properties.

Police he noted, have stepped patrols of sections of the trail.

"We have to accept the fact we're a tiny little Island that has ten times the number of tourists coming here and that's going to take a little give and take,'' he said.