I am writing in response to the article 'Sorry folks come back when you're 18' (March 1).

Being 16 years old, I would be boring if I didn't want to go out and have a good time but I always find it frustrating because there is nowhere for me and my friends to go. That is why many people of my age try to get into the pubs and clubs of York.

We're not trying to cause trouble; we just want to go somewhere where we can meet new people and have a bit if a laugh.

In York the only places where a 16 year old can go are to the cinema or bowling. Of course there's Fibbers or going to a restaurant but that's not the sort of place you want to go or can afford to go all the time.

Personally I fail to see why the age for being able to go into pubs and clubs can't be reduced to 16, as at 16 you are legally allowed to smoke and have sex. But lowering the legal age is something that is unlikely to happen so what is needed in York is somewhere for teenagers to go.

Non-alcoholic bars would be a solution. These would be somewhere where you could chill out, listen to music, chat to your friends.

There are some youth clubs around York but these aren't in the centre and usually attract younger children.

I know that I am expressing the opinions of many York teenagers. Of course we want to go around town but to save all the doormen of York a lot of hassle please give us somewhere to go!

Sarah Douglas,

Lime Avenue,

York.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.