14/9/2005 - Neighbourhood forum asks young people to be more involved

Cumbria County Council wants to involved more young people in council planning and decision making. Youngsters in the Eden Vale area are being invited to the next neighbourhood forum meeting to give them a chance to comment and make suggestions about what they want to see in their community.

Lynn Healey, the county council's youth work co-ordinator in Eden will also be on hand at the meeting to explain her role and how new services are being developed for the youngster in the area. 

The meeting will be held on Thursday 22nd September at Great Salkeld Village hall at 7.30pm.

County councillor Philip Chappelhow will be chairing the forum meeting. He said:

"Sometimes young people don't understand how some council decisions we make are relevant to them so it can be difficult to get them more involved in the political process. Cumbria County Council is always looking for new ways to encourage youngsters to become involved. 

"The next neighbourhood forum meeting will give the youngsters in this area an opportunity to see the real side of local politics and will greatly increase their knowledge of the role they can play. Youngsters are an important part of our communities and we want to see more young people becoming involved in the democratic process within their own area. I would like to encourage more youngsters to come along to the next meeting so we can listen to what they have to say, to give us a better understanding of their needs and their visions for the future."

Other matters on the agenda are:

1. Community Safety- Sarah Hale, Community Safety Officer, will talk about the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership and ways in which it can help local people.

2. Green Spaces in Eden- Eden District Council would like residents' views on how green spaces, parks, including village play areas, in Eden should be managed.

3. Local Policing- the forum will receive a report from Cumbria Police on local policing issues.

4. Questions form Parish Councils and other local concerns.

Anyone wanting more information about the forum should contact Eden Area Support office in Alston, 01434 382128 or Penrith, 01768 242368.