'Acne lights' used to stop young people gathering

By Neil Puffett Thursday, 26 March 2009

Pink "acne lights" are being used in a bid to prevent young people gathering near underpasses in Mansfield.

Tony Gelsthorpe and pink light

The lights, put up in two underpasses in the town, are the same kind used by dermatologists to show up pimples and acne blemishes.

The project, championed by Layton Burroughs Residents' Association following consultation with Nottinghamshire Police, is set to be extended to a third site.

A spokesman for The National Youth Agency said the use of pink lights was equivalent to treating young people as the enemy.

"Lighting like this does not offer the prospect of a long-term solution to a community problem," he said. "We should be looking to help young people thrive not hurt or humiliate them."

Tony Gelsthorpe, chair of the association, said the intention of the project was never to show up spots, rather utilise the fact pink is seen as "uncool" by some young men.

Marianne Down, a member of the association, said: "We used to have quite a problem with large groups of young people hanging around in the underpasses drinking, which felt quite intimidating, but the pink lights have really made a difference.

"The groups aren't there as much and it feels safer walking through there now, particularly at night."