MAY I say "where have all the youth clubs gone – long time passing." I know I've taken most of these words from a well-known song, but I just had to write stating my sadness and disappointment at reading in the Derby Telegraph ("Youth centre could be demolished", January 29).

I was born and bred in Grange Street, a stone's throw from Merlin Youth Club as it was then known, and I along with many others were there in the early 1960s when it was officially opened by either the Duke of Gloucester, or Prince Michael of Kent.

We younger ones at that time didn't want to be bothered with official openings – we just wanted to get inside!

Mick Bacon was in charge of running the youth club in its early days and it was a marvellous place for all the local kids to enjoy.

There was a large five-a-side football-come-basketball and gymnastic hall with climbing frames, through to the rear of the club, a weight lifting and bodybuilding room, dart board area (I beat Mick every time I played him) a rest and relaxation area and tuck shop, all in the downstairs space.

Upstairs there were a pair of table tennis tables, a small snooker table and a TV area.

A few of the boys I remember from back then were my brothers Mick and David, Dave Adams, John Hughes, Phil Wood, Melvyn Goodwin, Athol Smith, Johnny Bloor, Paul Smith – there were many more, these are but a few.

May I just add that around that area there were at least four other youth clubs, Russell Street, Rosehill Street, Pear Tree and St Andrews Church Youth Club, all now sadly gone. Kids today don't have this friendship and willingness to help each other as we did back then. More's the pity – to me and my generation it was the time to be young.

Allan G Price

Worcester Crescent

Derby