Wisbech consultation poster

YOUNG people are to be asked: “What do you want in Wisbech?”

Wisbech North County Councillor Samantha Hoy has helped organise an informal drop-in evening where 11 to 18 year olds can talk to youth workers, police and councillors about what they would like to see for their town.

On the wall at the Oasis Centre between 5.30pm and 8.30pm next Tuesday (February 23) will be target boards where youngsters can suggest ideas and rate those which they like most.

If they find something they really like, discussions will move onto how young people can help to raise the funds that will make their dreams a reality.

“Rather than it just being a talking shop, we wanted it to be about what do they want and how they can get it,” Miss Hoy said.

“If there is something that young people want, fundraising for it can give them a much greater sense of ownership.”

The 24-year-old, hailed as a “community champion” for young people after becoming Cambridgeshire’s youngest county councillor in 2010, says the event was inspired by comments on the community website Shape Your Place.

Her vision is to “change people’s perceptions” about the younger generation as they fight against high unemployment and difficult economic conditions.

“People have complained about youths hanging around shops. They weren’t causing trouble, they were simply looking for something to do,” Miss Hoy added.

The deputy leader of Wisbech Town Council also hopes to introduce some of the youngsters to Council leader Nick Clarke on the Cambridgeshire Cabinet’s visit to Wisbech on March 6.