THE olive branch held out by Peter Mallinson to troublesome youths in a bid for resolution in Sussex Square had no takers on Saturday.

The Walcot Charity Shop and Community Library chairman had been hoping to build bridges between the organisation and those teenagers he holds responsible for disturbances in the precinct.

The meeting was advertised in the Adver last week and has been dotted around social media, in the hope the teenagers would attend.

Anti-social behaviour, which peaked in December, is adjudged to be on the slide after the appointment of a security guard and a heightened police presence.

However, despite signs of progress last week, Peter knows it must be long-term change and retains his interest in speaking to those responsible face-to-face.

“I can only hope the message is getting around and people are starting to work together. That’s the best thing to say,” he said.

“I’m still hoping that some of them will turn up and be willing to come across and have a hot drink, some biscuits and get to know each other better.

“We are just the same as them. They’re part of the environment, part of the community and what’s in it for them is a better community and better feeling in the community.”

Despite the age gap, Peter is confident those youths would and should have some interest in putting things right with a meeting.

He even recalled his own time as a teenager and the scrapes he himself got into, offering some understanding for the way the world looks to an adolescent.

“When I was their age, I’m going back a long way, I wasn’t into politics and had no clue who my councillor was,” he said.

“There was a period which I can identify with, when, quite honestly, I was the same as them, but it passed.

“Luckily for me, I didn’t do anything stupid.

“Most of them are over 16, so I would think at that age they would talk.

“At their age I was already in the air force and I was subject to military discipline on a daily basis. I’m not saying that’s needed, but it was the age they are now.

“There are a number of things I did that I wouldn’t have liked my parents to know about.

“I was one of the lucky ones that didn’t end up with a bad name.”

Despite the no-show for peace talks, Peter said that the shop’s door is always open and will remain so, for those with grievances.

“If they would like to come over here instead of being out in the cold, they are welcome.”