A NEW AGE FOR YOUTH FORUM

A fresh cohort of students are helping shape the district’s future after joining the council’s youth forum.

The group – set up earlier this year – gives teenagers the opportunity to involve themselves in the democratic process and share their priorities for the area.

At its meeting at the Civic Centre, young people from The Beacon, Brockhill Park, EKC Folkestone Junior College, Folkestone School for Girls, The Harvey Grammar School and The Marsh Academy became the forum’s latest members.

Topics discussed with council chair Cllr Anita Jones and others included the Lower Leas Coastal Park play area refurbishment project, solar farms and social media.

Tom Worley from The Marsh Academy said: “I thought it was a really good session because we got to talk to people in charge who could change things for the better. The topics were relevant, particularly the Romney Marsh solar farm debate.”

The forum also discussed how council information reaches young people and valuable insights were provided about the role of social media and how campaign messaging lands with younger residents.

Cllr Mike Blakemore, Cabinet Member for Community and Collaboration, said: “It was another valuable and lively meeting – this is a great platform for students to have their say, as well as learn more about local government.”

The youth forum is for those aged 13-19 and meets twice per academic year. The next event is due to take place in March.