The youth initiative committee was established by the Coltishall Parish Council to try and address some of the issues raised regarding young people in this village. There have been many complaints about young people hanging around with nothing to do, and many of the youngsters themselves feel this too.

As a result an open evening was held on the 10th April, in the school for people, young and old to come and give their views. A good attendance listened to a presentation from Chris Reilly and Sharon Stone, from the Broadland Youth Service. Then followed group discussions, to generate views and ideas.

Two main themes came through. The resounding request was for a skate park, nothing grand, but somewhere that the young people could practice away from the road, and without interfering with pedestrians. The second request was for a youth club, where again they could meet, safely, and enjoy themselves.

Chris Reilly explained that to raise funds for a skate park it would be necessary to have a properly organised youth club with a committee made up of its members, who could then apply for grants. The enthusiasm for raising funds for themselves was palpable, with talk of sponsored events and so on.

Names were taken for volunteer helpers, fund raisers and ideas, and a meeting of these people will have taken place on the 23rd May, but if anyone still wishes to volunteer, they will be more than welcome. It is planned to have a rota, so no one person has to make all the effort, which is one of the reasons the last youth club foundered. To raise money, the onus will be on the youngsters, and it is up to them to make it work, which I am sure they are more than willing to do, with help from us.

Finding suitable premises for a youth club is proving difficult, hut we are pressing on. We need to establish this to begin fund raising for the skate park. The good news is a suitable site has been earmarked and we just await confirmation in writing from the CCA.

For further information, or to volunteer, please contact one of the following numbers:

Lorna 737255

Nigel 07899 995901

Gill 738060

Doreen 737955

Please support us and make it work for the young people of the village. Thanks

Gill Riley
Youth Initiative Committee