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In April 2007 the group of young people came together
again and were invited to spend the day with Telford and Wrekin's
newly appointed Chief Executive, Steve Wellings.
The visit was a chance to talk more informally with Steve and
was a thank you for our participation and hard work on the young
people's interview panel that interviewed him for the post.
We arrived at the Civic Offices eager to see what Steve had in
store for us. After a hectic day visiting different services in the
Civic Offices and AFC Telford united football club we were amazed
to see how much work goes on behind the scenes.
Giving our views and ideas to different council officers made us
feel like our opinions counted and were respected. We felt like
valued members of the Telford community.
From our experience of being actively involved we think that
more children and young people should have the opportunity to
express their views and ideas to their council like we have.
More young people should be encouraged to take part in different
activities, events, training sessions and conferences to find out
more about what the Council does for the people of Telford and
Wrekin.
Every year the Council runs events for young people during Local
Democracy Week, a week where local secondary school students are
invited to take part in various different activities where they
learn about what the council does, we think that this is a great
idea and that opportunities like these should be extended.
During the day we were fortunate to speak to a Council officer
who is responsible for developing Telford Town Centre. We were able
to express our ideas about how the Town Centre could be made more
beneficial for every one. We want every one to be proud of a new
unique Telford.
We feel excited knowing that our input will actually help
develop and improve the lives of other young people living in the
town.
We believe that children and young people should play a BIG part
in decision making, as young people have a lot to give to help
Telford and Wrekin improve and develop. The Council workers that we
have contact with listen to us and try their best to support our
ideas.
Children and young people have the right to hold an opinion and
a responsibility to listen to other people's opinions.
We think that its time more young people SPOKE OUT and
shared their ideas.
This summer we have invited Steve Wellings to tour 'our'
Telford to see the Town through the eyes of young people.
We look forward to meeting Steve again and spending time sharing
our ideas and thoughts with
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