Sir,

I would like to comment one final time on the subject of activities for teenagers in Tenby.

May I say a respectful thank you to Mr. Keith Clarke, of The Vale, London, (November 26) for supporting my opinion.

It will surely not surprise the council to learn that I was by no means the only person who thought Clr. Brown handled the situation tactlessly.

I have been overwhelmed at the positive public response from other local residents following my initial letter and I find the council's attempt to personally ridicule me just plain rude.

My original reason for writing was in defence of a teenager who used her initiative to address a local problem and I felt that Clr. Brown's response was condescending and dismissive.

I read with surprise, therefore, the town council's printed account of their debate. This wasn't the response I had expected. I cannot agree with Clr. Williams that my letter is at all negative, as it contained an offer of proactive involvement by myself and I challenge her to let me know how much more positive I can be.

Neither was I aware that a prerequisite of voicing a local opinion is that one must be a member of the town council. However, if Clr. Rossiter is offering up the gauntlet, then perhaps I may consider it in the future.

I agree with Clr. Williams, who comments that Tenby is a safe place for our children to grow up in, but I'm sure she doesn't mean that they should literally be playing on the streets.

In the interests of the young people and Tenby residents alike, I was under the impression that we would all be fighting for the same cause and I find the council's response churlish.

Nevertheless, on a positive note, I see my mission here as being almost accomplished.

I read what I think is an apology from Clr. Brown to Lori Amos (November 19), Clr. Rapi has spoken to the head boy and girl at Greenhill School to find out first-hand what the teenagers would like to do on a Friday evening, the skate park is still being progressed (albeit very slowly), and Leah Walker, senior youth worker at Tenby Youth Centre, has written to the Observer (November 19) informing readers that the Friday Night Project at the Youth Club has begun again and will run through to the spring, thus keeping at least some of the teenagers off the streets.

So, Clr. Brown, I still await the list of alternative activities you see as being available on a Friday night, for free and with minimal supervision, but it appears that for the time being I will not need to open up my front room as a chill-out zone, although I will certainly keep it in mind!

Jane Stewart-Walvin,

Tenby.