'Liquid headache' victory for teenagers

HUNDREDS of teenagers and tots will be breathing a sigh of relief after a high-pitched device aimed at dispersing groups of young people gathering at Teignmouth railway station has been switched off.

The device, known as a mosquito, emits very high frequencies which normally only people under the age of 20 can hear.

The aim is to disperse groups of troublesome teenagers from areas known to suffer from anti-social behaviour.

But the machine has been emitting the buzzing noise about every 20 minutes for 24 hours a day, seven days a week, causing travellers and babies discomfort.

Schoolchildren from South Devon Liberal Youth, councillors and MPs have all written to station owners First Great Western, which has agreed to put the device on a timer to come on only when the station is unmanned.

Richard Younger Ross, Lib Dem MP for Teignbridge, said: "I am delighted First Great Western have listened to the complaint from South Devon Liberal Youth. However, what we need are assurances that the devices should not be used anywhere where young people are legitimately using services."

Teignmouth town Cllr David Cox also said he was pleased an agreement had finally been reached.

He said: "It's been zapping children who are waiting for trains. One of the children described it as a liquid headache.

"If it was something which caused discomfort to elderly people there would be a public outcry, but teenagers are demonised and seen to be the source of all crime, which is clearly not the case."

Cllr Cox said there had been problems with groups of young people 'hanging about' at the station but that it was inappropriate for the device to be turned on all the time.

A First Great Western spokesman said: "Following a meeting between our managing director, Mark Hopwood, and local MP Richard Younger-Ross, the decision was made to only turn on the mosquito device at Teignmouth when the station is unmanned, so as not to target youngsters who aren't involved in anti-social behaviour."