'The trouble with our town - it's boring' (From Penarth Times)

'The trouble with our town - it's boring'

FURIOUS Penarth youths have hit out at claims they are responsible for growing vandalism in the town.

But some youngsters say it is true and they are accountable and it's all because they are bored.

It follows a recent Penarth Times article ('Action on teen mob menace', October 18) which highlighted local vandalism.

Penarth police officers had claimed that groups of 60 youths were regularly congregating at the Esplanade, vandalising local beauty spots. But some youths immediately hit back.

One teenage girl, who did not want to be named, said: "We feel misrepresented when described as 'a teenage mob menace'.

"Despite the accusations made against us, we resent the title of vandals. "This community should not unjustly assume that teenagers are to blame for all crimes."

She added: "We feel the same anger as many other park users feel when discovering the disgraceful state of the park benches as it forces us to sit on damp grass.

"We would like to remind residents that vandals with intimidating behaviour that spend their time experimenting with alcohol are quite likely to emerge from one of the many public houses in Penarth.

"Perhaps they are to blame for the unrelated spate of incidents in Penarth. But Cogan resident Kieran Young, 19, said he knows there are youths committing vandalism.

He said: "Part of this is true, and part of the problem is growing up. "I've seen it going on around Cogan - the usual vandalism like smashing windows, nicking cars.

"Young people will do anything involved in having a laugh, if there isn't anything else to do."

One of Kieran's friends even suggested putting a cinema in Penarth as a solution.

Kieran said: "They're doing it because there's nothing else to do. "The councillors just don't seem to care. They should get together, discuss it and do something."