An initiative bringing young people together to have their say on issues affecting the town has officially launched.
The Youth Advisory Board was launched at a live music event at the Assembly Hall on Saturday 15th February, attended by 79 young people. Three signed up to join the board, which will see youth representatives sit on various town council subcommittees and working groups in an advisory role.
During the launch event, young people had the chance to get involved and share their visions for the Blue Pool and Assembly Hall.
“Their ideas for the Blue Pool and Assembly Hall included opening a café for young people to provide them with a space to gather, organising more age-specific events, and exploring the possibility of a cinema space,” explained Cllr Charlie Stokes, organiser of the Youth Advisory Board.
Young people also suggested running a takeover of the town council’s social media. With these ideas now on the table, the board members will begin discussing how they would like the group to operate.
“That could take the form of being an official board and attending town council meetings, or they may choose to hold further events to involve more young people,” explained Cllr Stokes.
Thanking the young people who attended and the two local bands who performed, Between The Lines and The Sunnies, Cllr Stokes said, “The responses we received can help improve the activities and services offered to young people in the town. We encourage any youngsters to email us with further suggestions about what they would like to see in Melksham at towncouncil@melksham-tc.gov.uk.”
Pictured: Jon Hubbard from 4Youth, Cllr Charlie Stokes and Deputy Mayor Cllr Saffi Rabey with the bands who performed
