Historical Factoids 20:

[Mal]

I have always believed we need to allow our youngsters to have a voice and we should listen to what they have to say.  That means they need to be aware of what’s going on so they can make informed decisions. 

Back in the 90’s I asked the ones hanging around the market place what they wanted and they told me just somewhere safe, warm and somewhere they could call their own.  Didn’t sound unreasonable to me so I took that message to the District Council through the then Town Forum meetings.  Like so many other Bedlington orientated requests it fell on deaf ears!

When I became a town councillor and eventually chair of the Town Council I wanted to include our youngsters and even tried to set up a youth council as part of the Town Council so their voice could be heard. 

I also did sessions with some of youngsters trying to explain how the various councils work and which one did which service delivery. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hKIe2Z19V8

When I became a County Councillor I took some up to County Hall as part of Democracy week so they could have first-hand experience of what went on up there. 

I have always tried to include our youngsters and get something for them.  Now they, as well as others, have had a huge toll taken during Covid so it’s even more essential to do right by them!  The first battle on that front I won and we will soon see the new PlayZone soon at West Lea.  Lots more needed in that particular war of course!