March 2, 2001 9:35: A POLICE officer in Marlow says vandalism in the town would plummet if town councillors agreed to build a teen shelter.

PC Steve Jackson of Marlow Police feels that the recent problems with vandalism at Liston Court, Marlow, would be greatly eased if there was a designated area which was exclusively for the youth community.

He added: "These kids in their early teens feel they are a neglected part of society, and I don't think we do enough for them.

"They need somewhere to call their own, where they are in charge of how it looks and works."

Dr John Spink, ex-chairman of Marlow Youth Centre and active youth enthusiast, feels that a skate park could be the answer to keeping teenagers occupied and out of trouble.

He said "Youngsters need a skilled activity which involves some element of danger."

He thinks the freedom and lack of adult interference in a skate park would appeal to youngsters, but he added that rules on behaviour would still be essential.

Katherine Joy, of Marlow Town Council, said that although there were no plans for a skate park in Marlow at present, there was a possibility of erecting a teen shelter in Higginson Park.

Youngsters in Marlow have been heavily involved in the town council's research for new facilities.

Ms Joy said: "In fact, a group of local youths have put together a very detailed report for the council on this issue.

"The teen shelter would be just the first step of many to improve our youth facilities. If the canvassing shows that the young public approve, then the teen shelter will be built."