“There is nothing here for young people to do” is a common cry. Someone asked me recently what there was for young people in Glossop and I found the list was surprisingly long.

By and large, young people do not want to do what adults think they ought to do in their spare time. Hasn’t it always been like that? This is why the Millennium Cellar is so successful – the drop-in centre was conceived and fought for by young people themselves. It has now been established many years.

The idea of going out to a disco is attractive to young people but if you are under 18 the law rightly restricts access to licensed premises. So the occasional ‘dry’ discos in the town centre have been an excellent initiative. They give young people an experience they want in a safe environment. Teenagers learn that you do not have to drink alcohol to enjoy yourself.

Such events are run by volunteers. The V-inspired project of encouraging young people to volunteer themselves has been hugely successful. V-inspired is a government funded initiative based at Glossop Volunteer Centre and its activities have exceeded all expectations.

Another group of volunteers run our longest established youth groups. I am particularly impressed by the quality and outlook of Scout and Guide leaders in Glossop. The experience they offer young people is very far from the traditional image. I dare say that many young people would be agreeably surprised to find out the variety of challenging experiences these organisations offer.

Even the Youth Service is changing its ways, making provision for young people more appropriate, attractive and flexible. From bases throughout the whole of Glossopdale they, too, are doing an excellent job.

Cricket, football, rugby, sailing, horse riding, martial arts – there are opportunities for all young people in Glossop, if they want them.