Today I met Jim Jones and Brenda. They were fishing detritus out of the stream behind Baldock's Mill. Jim had a couple of lads helping him. They were working hard, but it did not seem they were getting anywhere: the task is too big. It seems that there is nothing much for young people to do, there are very few jobs.
Of course, we know there is plenty that they could be doing. There is litter to pick up, nettles, brambles and thistles to cut down and uproot, ponds to clear, streams to restore. The United Charities should employ half-a-dozen young people for the duration of the summer, pay them £6 an hour, and set them to work. They will work, especially for Jim, and be glad of the opportunity. Tough times need tough measures: it is an opportunity for the Charities which might never happen again. The town benefits, the young people will benefit, the Charities will benefit: it is one of those win/win situations.