YOUNG people are calling for improved public transport to be made a top priority by Fenland District Council. They also want to see more opportunities for them to participate in sport and more community police officers on the beat to reduce crime and ant

YOUNG people are calling for improved public transport to be made a top priority by Fenland District Council.

They also want to see more opportunities for them to participate in sport and more community police officers on the beat to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour.

Those were the three main issues highlighted at a recent meeting of the Fenland Youth District Council attended by FDC officers and Cllr Steve Garratt, portfolio holder with responsibility for young people.

The youngsters were responding to the corporate plan consultation carried out in advance of the full council meeting due on February 25, when councillors will be finalising FDC's priorities and budget for the next year.

YDC members said there was a pressing need for more public transport with cheaper fares to make it easier for them to travel around the district.

On crime, they felt that a higher and more visible police presence would make everyone in Fenland feel safer. In particular, they said police could do more to tackle an increase in vandalism and arson that has recently affected several of their secondary schools.

They also called for a greater range of sports to be offered to appeal to a wider group of young people, giving them the chance to try something new.

Cllr Garratt said: "It is vital that as a council we listen carefully to what our young people are saying and the YDC plays a key part in that. They made it clear what they see as the main issues affecting them and we need to take their views on board.