Opposition claims that the ruling Progressive Labour Party (PLP) Government has neglected the youth in the West End have been dismissed as an "exaggeration at best" by PLP spokesman Walter Roban.

United Bermuda Party (UBP) candidate Gerald Fubler told a press conference last week that he withdrew his support from the PLP because he had been disillusioned by a lack of Government action on youth issues.

The community activist had successfully lobbied the previous government for a youth centre at Daniel's Head, but it was later closed down by the PLP.

"There are three community centres in Sandys at relatively close proximity to each other," Mr. Roban said.

Mr. Fubler will be running as the UBP's candidate for Sandys North, or constituency 36, which takes in the Daniel's Head area. He will be running against Finance Minister Eugene Cox.

Mr. Cox said he did not want to respond to Mr. Fubler's comments yesterday. "I think the people of Bermuda would know what has happened over the years," he said. And he echoed Mr. Roban's comments that a number of youth facilities existed in the area.