I ATTENDED the Chesham Town Council meeting at the Town Hall on January 13 and felt appalled with the handling of situations.

The main problem with the council is that their political barriers get in the way making decisions for the best. The skate park argument has been raging for ages and myself and the residents feel it is time conclusions were made.

A working party was formed of which I was a member, and the conclusion of the meeting was that we should follow the acoustic consultants' advice and install a barrier. The vote for this was 8:1. However the town council decided to wait 12 months before reviewing the situation, even though this contradicted the views of the working party who had justifiable evidence for the decisions they made.

I may not be old enough to vote and therefore I am technically not entitled to a view or even a say until I am 18, however the skate park concerns young people and therefore I feel they should have a say. I commented that the town council was indecisive of which I was told by Cllr Reed that I only see them as indecisive because I am not hearing what I want to hear.

I confirm I am open to see other people's points of view if you remember the residents of the skate park and I had totally conflicting views but now we have pushed personal opinions aside and worked together so that the best conclusion is made for all.

Another issue I raised to the council was the possibility of me being able to sit on the council with full speaking rights, but with no voting rights, representing young people. I am fully aware that this goes against the constitution and that each councillor has had to go through public election but I am prepared to go through a voting process if there are any objections to this. However I feel that it would be really valuable to have someone on the council who is not of a political party and can give young people a say.

The "public speaking time" that is allocated, is so formal and members of the public are not allowed to participate in the discussion that follows on the point that you raised, which can be pretty frustrating!

I am not writing to just criticise the council as I appreciate the enormous amount of work they put in for the town but I strongly feel there should be less emphasis on the political party you belong to, and whether it abides by the constitution or not. Constitutions can be altered, so perhaps it is possible that it can be changed so that the public can have more of a say, making our voice count.

Karen Wright

(Aged 17)

Chairman

Chesham Youth Council

January 24, 2003 11:00