I USED to be a clubber in Bournemouth, but not any more, writes Emma Baker, 17, a student at Bournemouth School for Girls and who attended last Friday's Bournemouth council policy meeting into the town's night time economy.

The streets of Bournemouth have been flooded by a wave of drunken yobs and vandals; a menace to those who want to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and buzzing social life provided by the many nightclubs , pubs and theatres . As a thriving beach resort, Bournemouth has become a popular venue for hen and stag nights; with so many rowdy groups patrolling the town, as a youth I feel daunted. Certain venues have become 'vertical drinking bars', from which loud, aggressive drunks often stagger. I am afraid to walk through the gardens at night, for fear of becoming a victim to the more and more frequent incidence of an attack or mugging. My parents have heard too many horror stories about stabbings and rapes and are now concerned about me staying out after dark which sadly limits my enjoyment of night-time activities.

Many clubs are cavalier with ID checks, and fake ID is easily available off the internet, allowing underage kids to binge drink. And no wonder; under 18s provide a large chunk of their custom. The ladette culture encourages copious amounts of alcohol to be consumed, leaving girls wandering the streets vulnerable to attacks by men on the prowl. Alcohol leaves people's guard lowered and many of my friends have been the victims of theft, leaving them without any money or phone to arrange transport home.

So, why do we put ourselves at risk by sneaking into adult clubs? The entertainment provided for teenagers post- sunset is limited. Under 18s nights are infrequent and often occur in midweek, which clashes with educational commitments, leaving teenagers dragging themselves into school bleary eyed. Businesses that provide nightlife need to wake up to the needs of 21st Century youth and provide alcohol free, safe Saturday nights out for young people.

Until Bournemouth becomes a safer place, I'll be staying at home on Saturday nights.