GAZETTE & HERALD: A SEATING area specifically for youngsters could be constructed in Corsham in a bid to get young people off the streets and into a place they can call their own.

It is hoped the open-sided hexagonal shelter would act as a meeting point for teens in the town so they don't have to hang around aimlessly.

Young people will get to have their say about the idea, led by county and Corsham town councillor Peter Davis, at the youth festival this weekend. which runs from 1pm to 7pm at Springfield playing field.

Coun Davis said: "The shelter has been put up in other towns and it acts as a sort of meeting point for the young people where they can sit and have a chat and it's their own space.

"I think instead of wandering about feeling as though they are lost, they will have a specific place which hopefully they will adopt as their central point, particularly in the summer months."

He added: "We are hoping it's the area and having a specific place to go that is going to attract the youngsters, instead of just hanging about on street corners."

The shelter is a metal-framed building with open sides, a roof and seats.

It would be put up on Springfield playing field, positioned somewhere between the BMX facility and the new skate park.

Young people will be able to see pictures of it at the youth festival and give their views on whether they think it's a good idea or not.

"We are trying to involve them in the provision of it," Coun Davis said.

"We want to consult them about the final details of the skateboard development and get as many of them as we can to talk to us about it.

"We will show them the design and pictures of the shelter we are proposing so they can make up their minds if they would like it or not.

"If they say they are not interested we will have to think of something else." Permission for the shelter needs to be granted by Corsham Town Council, then Coun Davis said he hoped the shelter could be built in time for summer.

"If everything falls into place we are hoping to get the skate development and the shelter up by this summer," he said. "That's what I'm working towards."

Corsham police have pledged their support for the shelter and assure members of the public it is not a hiding place for teens.

Sergeant Dave Eddy said young people are currently congregating in a number of areas in the town, causing anti-social behaviour.

But he hopes the shelter will get positive feedback from both young and old at the youth festival on Saturday.

"We are fully supporting the council in any moves towards a shelter being provided," he said.

"It's in an appropriately sited area on the recreation ground.

"The place proposed is right in the middle of the ground away from any houses and it will be well lit."