Local politicians in Shropshire are “completely out of touch with the youth of today” and more needs to be to ensure their voice is heard, a councillor claimed today.

Councillor Tudor Bebb, who covers the Rea Valley, made the comments following a meeting of the Longden, Ford and Rea Valley Local Joint Committee on Wednesday night, where a group of youngsters made a presentation.

The group of about 12 youngsters spoke of their concerns and issues which affect them including the price of bus tickets and difficulties in securing part-time jobs.

Councillor Bebb, who is chairman of the LJC , said: “I think it’s right to say councillors are completely out of touch with the youth of today.

“It’s worrying. This presentation certainly opened our eyes.

“We’re hoping we can set up a group to get them more involved, possibly in local politics, or in groups where they can have their say. We’re going to try to involve them with the parish councils to ensure their concerns are taken on board as well.

“They could bring their concerns to the parish councils. I know there are youth groups about, doing a very good job, but they’re still not perhaps getting home to the parish councillors and Shropshire councillors.”

He said the youngsters should be encouraged to attend parish council meetings and, although they wouldn’t have a vote or be able to be on the councils due to their age, they could raise concerns with people representing the area.

Councillor Bebb said one of the main concerns related to the cost of bus tickets, and in the case of the youngsters who attended how much it would cost them to get from Pontesbury to Shrewsbury.

He said: “These are 14 to 16-year-olds. For instance if they are on £10 per week pocket money and want to get to the cinema they can go in and out and get to the cinema but do nothing else because their money is gone.

“I think that’s very difficult for them. Because of their age and health and safety it’s also very difficult for them to get part-time jobs and they are also very disillusioned as to the jobs they can get when they leave school.”

By John Kirk