THE lack of out-of-school activities for teenagers in the west of York has been criticised by councillors.

Ward councillors in Acomb have hit out after a leaflet was delivered with the ward committee agenda supposedly showing youth service provision for young people living in the Acomb ward.

Acomb Labour councillor Tracey Simpson-Laing said the leaflet showed not only is there little for young people to do, but that a map of the Acomb ward includes landmarks such as Linton-on-Ouse Airfield, the village of Tollerton outside of York and youth service facilities in Clifton ward.

Coun Simpson-Laing said: "While the map has clearly been sent out in error without being checked, there are more serious issues to consider here.

"There is so little for young people to do in Acomb ward. The situation was not improved when many years ago the youth club on the Northfield school site closed down, even though we had a promise pre the 2003 election - in writing, that it would reopen.

"Residents and young people were also let down when the money for the promised Community House in Ostman Road, which was to be paid for by the redevelopment on Danebury Drive was withdrawn."

Fellow Labour councillor David Horton said: "Sadly the Liberal Democrat administration reneged on its promise and took the money away for something else.

"I can understand the reasons behind promoting youth services elsewhere in the city, but it should not hide the fact that there is little for young people in Acomb ward to do near to where they live."

Coun Simpson-Laing also said the idea that young people can go to Moor Lane Youth Club is "rubbish".

She said there is no direct bus service, for many it would require at least two buses, and that the Moor Lane Youth Club is already "bursting at the seams".

Liberal Democrat executive member for youth and social inclusion, Coun Keith Aspden, said: "There are a range of activities and services for children and young people in the Acomb area, such as URBIE bus sessions on Thursdays and project nights.

"There has also been significant investment into the new Oaklands Sports Centre, the Acomb Learning Centre, Hob Moor and Westfield Children's Centres and the new Manor School. This is in addition to any ward committee funding made available.

"When talking to young people across the city we find they will also access the activities they want, for example, with the Zoo skate park, Moor Lane Youth Centre, Castlegate, the Schools Out programme and performing arts centres.

"It is regrettable that the map on the Acomb leaflet was wrongly printed, and a correct version will be issued. The leaflet points out that the YorOK website gives details of all activities and services across the city.

"We will continue to work with partners to improve the youth activities and services on offer in all areas. It would of course help if the Government were to give a fair funding deal to York."

The YorOk website can be found at www.yor-ok.org.uk