Chesham’s youth council has been reborn, as a group of young people gathered last week to discuss their hopes visions for the town.

Youngsters aged 10 to 17 joined together on Monday, September 24, at Chesham Town Hall to form the first youth council in the area for more than five years.

The aim of the group is to provide young people with a platform to voice their visions for Chesham, as well as learn skills such as public speaking.

The council is currently made up of 10 young people – all living in Chesham – from schools across the area, and they plan to meet every four weeks to discuss issues in the town.

Joseph Baum, who helped launch the council, hailed the first meeting a “success”, saying:

“After nine months of preparation, it’s great to be able to say that Chesham has a place for young people to get their voice heard.

“Initiatives like this are exactly what Chesham needs and will breathe new life into our town.

“With the right leadership this can be a place where young people can directly tell our councillors what they want to get out of their town.”

During the first meeting the youth councillors made speeches to their peers in a bid to be elected into one of the leading roles.

George Shaw, from 3rd Chesham Scouts, was voted in as council chair, Leo Clark, from Chartridge School, as vice-chair, Will Nicol, from Brushwood Junior School, as treasurer and Gretel Weaver, from Hawridge and Cholesbury CE School, as secretary.

Youth councillor, George Corby, said: “It was really pleasing to see how successful our inaugural meeting was.

“Already we have appointed a chair, secretary and press team – and have begun to feedback proposals about Chesham to Councillors.

“Everyone had a huge amount to suggest: from improved lighting in Lowndes Park to a ‘Chesham’s Got Talent’ show.”

Members of the public are invited to the next Chesham Youth Council meeting on October 15 at 4.30pm.