CONCERNS about the long-term effectiveness of youth shelters in reducing juvenile nuisance will be discussed by Burnley councillors.

They will be reviewing provision for young people in parks and the new teenzone programme

Police support the role of youth shelters in reducing juvenile nuisance and youth services comment on the value that young people can get from being involved in the projects.

Parks services have expressed concerns about the cost of cleaning, maintenance and repair.

Members of the social welfare and leisure scrutiny committee will also hear that concerns have been expressed about whether the youth shelters have a long-term effect on juvenile nuisance, whether they represent good value for money and whether they are effective for outreach work.

Residents have expressed concern about shelters being too close to houses but officers report sites too far off the beaten track might not be used.

The report says that youth shelters can play an important role as part of a wider programme along with teenzone sites which could combine provision for both active sports, including ball games and skate sports, and passive activities such as watching and talking.

Burnley has received funding of £300,000 for capital projects over six years.

Work is due to start on the refurbishment of Every Street ball court. The progamme for the next financial year includes supporting Piccadilly Area Residents Association in developing a youth/community shelter; facilities at Sunny Clough, including a kick wall and drainage of a multi-use games area.

It will have the start of consultations about the future use of Hargher Clough recreation ground; developing facilities at Burnley Wood and providing a four-day "skate school" at Towneley High School from May 3 to May 6.

The "school" will assist in choosing equipment for skate boarding and promote safety.

The scrutiny committee will be asked for their views about whether youth shelters should continue to be provided as part of teenzone facilities for young people.