Work to set up a Powys youth council is to get underway

Llandrindod Wells Town Council hope to set up an independent youth council of seven to nine youngsters aged between 11 and 17.

They hope the youth council will give youngsters a voice and ownership of their town and give young people’s opinions to the town council on various matters

Llandrindod Wells Mayor Councillor Steve Deeks-D’Silva is the driving force behind the project and he said he had his eyes opened to how mature and responsible youngsters can be when he was interviewing youngsters for the mayor’s cadet role.

He put the idea to councillors in March and then since he has been carrying out some research.

At this week’s town council meeting he said: “There appeared to be two ways of doing it – either a couple of junior members join the town council without voting rights, or to have a youth council that runs itself and potentially could have some finances. That would be my preferred way.

“I was contacted by Jess Metcalf, the youth worker and I had a chat with her. She is excited about the idea and she says it would be good for the young people and the town.

“We need a small task and finish group to look into all of the issues further.”

Councillor Neil Bastow said there is only one high school in Llandrindod Wells to choose youngsters from.

But Councillor Deeks-D’Silva said he had raised it with the air cadets when he was there and at least of five of them were interested. He said he had also told the scouts and the leader of Mid Powys Youth Theatre and they thought it was a great idea and he said there are lots of home schooled children in the area.

Councillor Paul Smith said perhaps they could have three or four from the high school and then others from various youth groups to get a wide representation.

Councillor Deeks-D’Silva, Deputy Mayor Councillor Kim Nicholls and new member Toby Weale agreed to sit on the task and finish group to work through all the issues including putting together a list of youth groups which may be relevant.

Members agreed to the task and finish group getting to work.