I OBJECT to the tone of the article regarding children under 16 working at Next Generation Club (May 12) as the club has dealt fairly with the handful of 'children' involved (most of whom were strapping 5ft 10in-plus lads!)

The club contacted the council before this article came out and was correcting any anomalies arising. Nobody was working after 7pm and exact duties performed were being clarified.

My son, who worked there, and the others were always offered breaks and were never forced to work extra hours. They were mature enough to deal with any minor teething problems with the management and clearly enjoyed the work and the social advantages of doing something for themselves in a safe and modern environment.

Children grow up much quicker these days and there are numerous 15 year olds gaining valuable experience in the working world. Obviously guidelines need to be in place to protect their safety and prevent their schoolwork from suffering.

However, we need to accept that most 15 year olds are keen to earn a bit of spare cash by doing part-time work; and I would challenge City of York Council to look urgently into updating their out of date employment laws which clearly only refer to paper rounds.

By-laws need to be created so that these young adults are working safely within sensible laws which take account of Sunday trading and the type of employment opportunities available in York.

Fiona Himsworth,

Quant Mews, York.

...KNOWING the young people involved, I am writing to express my disappointment at the headline and negative slant given to this story.

Because of this unjustified pressure on Next Generation Club, these 15 year olds have now lost their jobs and are devastated. The staff at the club have worked hard to get it up and running, and a misunderstanding about exactly what hours willing and enthusiastic young people can work was blown out of all proportion.

The boys' initiative in finding this employment, and in working hard to help get the club going, is to be applauded. They are all keen on sport, had joined the club and were being encouraged in their interests by the positive role models there.

They were happy to be more fully involved - and pleased with the earnings too. The jobs were near to home and with many known adults on the premises - a good safe environment. It will be hard for them to find anything comparable.

Our youngsters have been penalised because of one person's negative attitude. They are all polite, well-behaved and well-motivated lads and their neighbours of all generations are proud of them. They will no doubt cope with this set-back, but it is sad that young people today seem to be in a no-win situation.

Carol Pearman,

Windmill Lane, York.

Updated: 10:31 Thursday, May 15, 2003