LIKE many others, I was appalled by the decision of the county council which would see many of the youth facilities closed down throughout Oxfordshire.

Does the council really know the importance of youth centres? I doubt it. Or does it, like many others, believe youth work is all about ping pong, football and keeping the kids of the streets.

If that was all they were for, I would be the first to say they are a waste of money and should be closed down.

So, what is youth work about? Centres are a safe and secure haven where young people can go and meet their peers, have contact and form relationships with caring adults.

They are all about personal, social, physical and spiritual development, and are an extension of their formal education – somewhere they can call their own which gives them a sense of belonging and helps them to accept responsibilities, be reliable and respect others.

During one of many conferences during my 34 years in youth work, a group of young people were asked what they wanted from their youth club. After minutes of deliberation, the answer was simple: love, laughter, opportunities, guidance, support and leadership – and adults who care.

With these, they said, they would grow to full maturity and thus achieve their potential as responsible adult citizens within their community.

They certainly couldn’t achieve these aspirations hanging around the streets of Oxfordshire at night with no place to go.

Please county council – think again.

J P KEMPSON MBE, Retired youth worker/member of Wolvercote Young Peoples Club Charitable Trust