Letter - Reply to: 'Residents launch petition against town centre plans'

Reply to: 'Residents launch petition against town centre plans'

I read today the Mercury article about the 'anti-vision' petition that's being circulated. As I read I could not help but feel disappointed (yet again) about the regressive and damaging attitude of a portion of Barnard Castle residents.
I'm sure we've all heard the quip that 'Barnard Castle is 50 years behind the times', but more and more it's becoming the case that it's a matter of fact. I'm one of the minority of Barnard Castle residents who uses the Witham Hall on a weekly basis, and have done for over 9 years now - half of my life. But it's because I use it that i want to see it updated and upgraded, modernised and revamped.
I ask how many of those who've signed the petition actually use the Witham on a regular basis, my bet would be less than a quarter, and those who do only pop in for a couple of minutes on a couple of afternoons. I could personally raise well over a hundred signatures very quickly in favour of revamping the Witham, except the demographics of my signatories would be far under the towns average age, and most would be under 20.
That brings me directly onto my next criticism of the anti-vision petition - their quarrel with the redevelopment of the scar top and the building of a youth shelter. As a young person, I don't think I'm alone when I say this town provides little for young people, and a minority turn to anti-social behaviour. None of the towns residents would condone the 'anti-social gatherings' that occur in and around scar top, however those signing the petition have been so quick and thoughtless in condemning a suggested solution. Have any of them talked to the young people who are so excited to be involved in the project that will see a turnaround in provisions for the young people who feel excluded from current schemes? Because I have, and it's something that they are passionate about.
It's so easy to sit there and complain, those of us involved in projects like these try to provide solutions to the towns problems only to be met by harsh criticism from those who can't understand the reasoning behind making changes to a dilapidated and dying town. Yes, the scar top is a beautiful location, but like so many public areas it's fallen into a level of disuse and is an area of controversial debate.
Maybe a lot of the towns adult residents have forgotten what it's like to be young, or maybe they just have an outdated view on us, but maybe it;s worth reminding them that we don't live in an age where young people are to be seen and not heard.
Many Barnard Castle residents are quick to dismiss these things, but resistance to change has little to no benefit to the town. Yes, the Vision got off to a rocky start, and yes some early proposals and projects were less than productive, but they've got the feel of things now, their projects are looking more beneficial.
I would suggest to those in doubt as to the effectiveness of the Vision that they re-examine the town they live in, and realise it's not the haven for all it's residents that they might think, because there's more people in the town than just adults and the elderly.