FAR too often, people are heard complaining about 'troublesome' youths and living in fear of teenage gangs.

But if a survey of young people in Aireborough by a Trinity and All Saints College student is accurate, then teenagers are also intimidated by the activities of adults. The study, carried out for Aireborough Community Involvement Team, revealed that the fear of aggression in society, and the fear of adult criminals on the streets, is something experienced by many of our youngsters.

And the misunderstanding of young people does not end there, apparently. Those who took part in the survey felt intimidated because some shopkeepers and other adults suspect all teenagers are up to no good, and immediately go on the offensive.

It is interesting to hear that many young people also live in fear of crime - which is so commonly blamed on youths.

But unlike many adults, who simply complain about community spirit going down the drain, young people know what they want - and are not always being listened to.

The survey showed once again there are many cries for the community to provide them with 'something to do', and many are still calling for youth centres and skate parks.

In fact, young people are not only out for themselves, but the rest of the community - among their wish list was a call for better health services and improvements to libraries and revision facilities.

Hopefully, the study will encourage the community to be more considerate about the way it treats its younger members, instead of holding them solely responsible for too many of the problems in society.