Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Christopher Malpas and Councillor Pam Varnsverry.

The Chair reminded the Committee that this topic was the issue that received the most votes in the ballot held during Local Democracy week.  The Review is now at the evidence gathering stage.

Mr Gordon Stewart, Children and Young People’s Services, NCC addressed the Committee.

He commented that he is delighted this Review was taking place to identify the gaps for access to facilities for young people and that it fits in with the targets for sports agendas.  There is a need to ensure all Local Authorities and partners think more positively.  There is a survey currently being conducted to publish a Youth Offer for media and youth as to what age can access the website, this links to issues such as locality required to deliver this offer.  It is currently in the development phase.

Mr Stewart was thanked for his address.

Mr Phil Houston, Northampton Association of Youth Clubs (NAYC), addressed the Committee.

He commented that the majority of organisers that run clubs that feed into his organisation are volunteers.  He confirmed he would provide details of these clubs to help inform the Review.  He supported the need to identify gaps so that facilities for all people can be publicised.  Mr Houston is also a member of the Northampton Voluntary Youth Organisation and will make contact to ascertain the types of facilities provided.

Mr Houston was thanked for his address.

Mr Peter Strachan spoke on behalf of Neighbourhood Management.

He commented that the Neighbourhood Management is a partnership that brings together representatives of local associations.  Peter Strachan advised that there is a programme of activity for short term funding.  He added that there are a lot of activities available for youngsters who have been `in trouble’ but there is a lack of provision for facilities/activities in respect of arts and crafts.  There is also a gap for activities for girls. 

The Committee posed the following questions to Mr Strachan and received the following answers.

How does this Review relate to your work?

Neighbourhood Management has been successful in obtaining funding. There is a need for something more systematic.

Is a physical building the way forward?  What `people facilities’ are available?

The building is definitely most important, such as cafes, open spaces for training, support from Connexions is also important.

From the survey what were youngsters most attracted to?

The facility should be free and young people should be able to drop in at any time.

Mr Strachan was thanked for his address.

Mr Gareth Nichol gave the following address.

He stated that he had been trying to locate suitable facilities for young people for the past 2½ years.  The consultation had identified that  75% of young people would be interested in more facilities but that 25% of the facilities already available in Northampton are not good.  He is trying to acquire funding and a building in the town centre which would be targeted at those groups in education, but would offer to help everyone not just those targeted.   

Mr  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.