Town council aims to get in touch with youngsters

YOUNG people in Portishead are going to be invited to discuss local issues with members of the town council.The University of Gloucestershire has recently produced a report for Portishead Town Council after examining the way it operates.One of the document's recommendations reads: "The council is advised to engage more closely with all parts of the community to identify their needs, raise the profile of the council and help people to understand the council's role."As a result of the proposal, Cllr Barry Walters suggested that town councillors should meet with sixth formers at Gordano School, and possibly youth club members, every year.Cllr Walters has already been in touch with the secondary school and says staff are keen to give their students the opportunity to express their views.Cllr Walters added: "We're having discussions with Gordano School to decide the best way to encourage a dialogue with the pupils and we'll be having a meeting about it shortly."Initial reactions of the staff have been enthusiastic. Fostering a dialogue with young people in Portishead would make sure we understand what it is they would like to see in their town."It would also enable them to understand the limits on our power and what we are prepared to go along with."We'll listen with interest to any ideas they have and work with them on any sensible scheme."It will help them to appreciate the financial and bureaucratic constraints we work within, and help us to understand the problems they face."Cllr Walters said the idea of setting up a youth council in Portishead had been suggested in the past and would be something the town council would be 'more than happy' to consider exploring.Town councillors are also looking at how to forge closer links with other groups within the community.