THERE was once a period, not long after the Ice Age, when unfamiliar creatures began to inhabit Britain. They were called teenagers and I was one of them.

Teenagers back then presented a challenge to the adults who ruled the land. They didn't behave in the way their predecessors had done by turning into mini-versions of their mums and dads from the age of 13.

Instead, they wore different gear, listened to cool music and hung around the streets, kicking their heels because there was little else they could afford to do.

Decades on, it is hard to believe that in Bournemouth, at least, the same problem exists. The town's night life may buzz with bars and clubs, but if that's too expensive or not your thing, there's precious little for teenagers to do.

According to Life's a Beach, a documentary film made by local young people, Bournemouth's attractions are out of their pocket because they are aimed at tourists.

They wonder why the controversial Imax cinema stands unused and would like to see more activities on the beach.

And they would like to see a permanent ice rink in Bournemouth with an ice hockey team, figure skating and a disco. Which is a very reasonable point and one that teenagers have been calling for since the long-ago days when we had one that shut.

It is frustrating that talk of building a new one seems to have been going on since Godot was a teenager.

Next month, plans to build an ice rink at King's Park go out for consultation. Whether it's built there or somewhere else, isn't it high time the powers-that-be got their skates on and made this recurring dream a reality?

Before the Ice Age comes round again.