A group of concerned parents is hoping to set up a youth centre in St. David's where their children can meet in safety.

The parents plan to rope in Government to help purchase a property on Southside from the Bermuda Land Development Corporation which will be turned into a facility where the town's youngsters can meet.

And they have already approached the Ministry for Youth and Sport with a plea for the Government to look into the scheme.

Mother Rosann Pitcher, from Lighthouse Hill, said: "We're a concerned group of parents and we're basically trying to get a youth centre for the youth in St. David's and hopefully we will get something at Southside.

"We're trying to attract 13 to 18-year-olds. We want to establish a place where they can meet and do activities and play football and table tennis and basket ball.

"The St. David's community has expanded and we now feel there's a need for more structured activities for the teenagers in the town. We have decided to come together as a community and foster togetherness.

"There's a youth centre in St. George's but it's not accessible for people in St. David's, especially with public transport ceasing after 6.30 p.m. If you want to go to a movie you can't unless you've got a bike. It's a very isolated area.

"Parents have met several times over the last six months and we have approached BLDC. We have been assisted by politicians from both parties and also been encouraged by local churches and the sports club.

Mother Heather Foggo said: "We have looked at a few buildings and we've now narrowed it down to one that we are considering. But we have been told that we have to form a committe before the Government can look into any proposals.'' Although parents claim that there are no specific problems that the town's youngsters are causing, they feel that they could be given more direction in their spare time.

And they are hoping to rope in various experts such as karate and art teachers to provide the youngsters with some tuition.

St. George's South MP Rick Spurling has given the plan his full support.

And he believes that, once a group has been organised, it could also begin running programmes using Clearwater Middle School's facilities during school holidays and at weekends.

"It's something that I have always felt has been necessary and, now that Southside has opened up, it gives us a chance to get a suitable building,'' Mr. Spurling said.

"I have been in discussion with the BLDC about providing a suitable building and there are two or three that are possibilities.

Parents propose youth centre "There are also great facilities at the school -- they have basketball courts and a great gymnasium -- and it would be a good idea to give the group the responsibility of running programmes there after school hours and at the weekends. I am hoping that we can get this thing off the ground.'' Last night Youth, Sports and Recreation Minister John Barritt said: "The Ministry will be doing what it can.

"We will have to make an assessment of what's being proposed and what will be the best thing and that's what we're prepared to do.

A public meeting to discuss the project will be held at the Clearwater Middle School on Wednesday at 7 p.m.