I AM writing in relation to complaints made by people regarding teenagers who congregate in and around the Town Hall steps in Bolton.

From what I have seen, these teenagers do not create such a major issue as those constantly being highlighted. I have talked many times to those on the Town Halls steps, who have only ever been polite.

These "people who wear black", however, are stereotyped, subjected to verbal abuse on a regular basis, and in some cases also physical. That is what I call intimidation. Where are the police then?

The new law that only allows eight people in a group is clearly discrimination. If the police patrol parks, obviously they will come to realise teenagers there hang out in large numbers. Too often the elderly are mugged and violence happens in these places -- what is going to be done about that?

We have to ask the question, where else in Bolton can young people socialise today? Maybe if more attention was focused on what can we do to help young people, perhaps more co-operation would be given.

These people are not out doing drugs, abusing anyone or committing illegal acts. In my opinion they should be praised!

Natalie

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