YOUTH HIT BACK IN PROTEST

WISHAW youth took to the streets on Saturday to highlight their campaign for a skateboard facility.

Around 50 young people took part in the protest, organised by the Scottish Socialist Party.

Donnie Nicolson, national youth organiser for the SSP, claimed that recent anti-social behaviour displayed by teenagers in the area stemmed from a chronic lack of youth facilities in Wishaw, coupled with the generally grim employment prospects facing young people.

Donnie said: “It is clear that what is needed is not electronic tags for 12-year-olds and stricter punishments, but real investment in our communities.

“Having had several meetings with local young people, I have learned that there is a strong desire for better facilities, including a skatepark and youth centre but very little enthusiasm from the local authorities when contacted about this.”