Community

What is the most important thing councils could do to make your lives better?

Peter Nutting SABC

Improve transport links around the area for young people.

Community Wellbeing

What's your opinion of young people today?

All

PN - They are great. They work hard and achieve a great deal.

MS - Sitting here tonight in front of more than 130 young people I have to say you are all fantastic. To see so many of you turn up on a Friday night just shows how much you all care about what is happening in Shropshire. So well done to you all and to all those who want to portray young people as not caring - look how wrong you are.

Community Wellbeing

What is your top priority from political leaders.

Daniel Kawczynski MP, Cllrs Peter Nutting and June Drummond

PN - My priority as a council leader is to keep council tax low whilst providing good services. People should be able to keep as much of the money they work for as possible.

Community wellbeing

Why is the youth service budget so small?

Sundorne Crew (YP)

Martin Stephens SCC

In one sense you are right, in comparison to the money spent on schools the youth service budget is comparatively small. However, like many things in Shropshire things are pretty good. In comparison with other youth service budgets we do well. For a number of years now we have received an above inflation rise and that includes this year as well. If you look at the league table of our neighbours we come out near the top so as I have said Shropshire youth service does well. Nevertheless we could always do more with more resources.

Community Wellbeing

How could you engage young and old people in the community to combat the fear held by both sets of people about each other.

Matt Smith

Peter Nutting SABC,

Robin Hooper SABC,

Martin Stephens SCC

PN - Find ways of getting the two groups to talk to each other. Perhaps a joint conference between young and old.

MS - In the past we have run projects that bring together older people and teenagers and they have been a great success. It is something that we are looking into developing as it helps break down the barriers and stereotypical attitudes that exist between the two groups.

Community Wellbeing

What services and opportunities are available for young people that do behave and do not cause trouble!

Matt Smith

Robin Hooper SABC

Martin Stephens SCC

MS - There are lots of things going on – I would particularly like to mention the Youth Opportunity Fund which provides money for just such activities. In fact if you would like to apply the forms are available now and are simple and easy to use. The fund application forms were designed by young people and only young people can apply. In addition the decisions will also be made by young people. I know some of the groups here tonight will be applying. As long as your application provides more "Things to do" you stand a good chance at being successful, so get filling in that form. The forms are available on line on Shropnet or email youth.service@shropshire-cc.gov.uk and we will send you one.

Community Wellbeing

Us young people feel that older people are always attacking us and not allowing us to meet our friends. Why!!

Sarah

Robin Hooper SABC
Martin Stephens SCC

MS - This is not always true however many older people do feel threatened by groups of teenagers. At the moment young people get a bad press and I know we have a project in the youth service who want to make sure we get more positive stories in the press about young people. Nevertheless there is still more to do as we need to break down those barriers so that everyone is seen for who they are and not as simple stereotypes.

Community Wellbeing - Housing

Is there any way that it would be easier for young Mums to be housed?

Robin Hooper SABC

The Council no longer has its own housing accommodation. The Council transferred the houses it owned to Severnside Housing on 1st October 2001. The Borough Council does have an agreement with Severnside Housing whereby the Council is able to nominate people who are in housing need for 75% of the available units for accommodation which may be available each year. However, that number may often be less than 100. The demand for social housing is well in excess of the number which are available. Therefore a form of prioritisation has to take place when properties are allocated to people in housing need. The people with greater priority are often those who are homeless unintentionally with a priority need. People with a priority need may be families where there are children under the age of 18 years of age and also people of pensionable age.

As a consequence of demand for housing being greater than the available supply, when young mothers notify the Council of their wish for housing accommodation often there is inadequate numbers of housing available for them. Therefore the Council's housing officers will encourage young mothers to stay with their parents and within their families as the best and often only means of accommodation for them.

The Council has been lobbying the Government to reintroduce social housing grant which is a form of grant payable to local authorities for the provision of additional units of accommodation. The Council has also been lobbying the Government for the transfer of land within the Government ownership within South Shrewsbury on which social and affordable housing could then be built. To date the Council has not been successful in either of these areas but will continue to lobby to try and achieve them.

Community Wellbeing (Leisure and recreation)

Why haven't the people living in Sundorne been given any information (input) on the Sports Village?

Sundorne Crew YP

Andy Goldsmith SABC

I am surprised by this question. The Council has attempted to fully engage the residents of Sundorne in the development of the sports village. This included a number of public meetings to discuss and influence the proposals prior to works starting, ongoing meetings during the construction of the village and a monthly newsletter widely distributed in Sundorne and posted around the site.

We have consulted widely with different sporting groups on the requirements and design including a number of younger people on the design for the BMX plaza.

The Council also operates a discussion forum on the web where issues can be raised and discussed. Further details can be found on the Council Web site under 'shrewsbury sports village'.

Community Wellbeing (Leisure and recreation)

Given the jeopardy that the Shrewsbury pool is in, will the members of the Council and Mr Kawczynski assure the audience that they will not support the closure of the pool?

Daniel Kawczynski MP, Peter Nutting SABC

PN - The work that will be done will improve swimming facilities in the area. The pool is not in jeopardy in any way but it does need serious investment.

Community Wellbeing (Leisure and recreation)

Why isn't there anything for young people to do. We need somewhere to go where we won't get hassled.

Chris Davies

Martin Stephens SCC,

Peter Nutting SABC,

Robin Hooper SABC

PN - There are things to do - sport, swimming, cinema, etc...but they are all supervised and I think that is OK.

MS - There are places to go like youth centres but I understand there are not enough of them. In partnership with the Youth Opportunity Fund is the Youth Capital Fund that is aimed at providing more "places to go". Again young people will be central to this process and I expect to see applications from across the county for Youth Shelters, Youth Centres and other building projects. Details will be available soon so get thinking about what you want to see happen.

Community Wellbeing (Leisure and recreation)

Why isn't there a youth club in Pontesbury because there is nothing to do in the area.

Logan Watkins

Martin Stevens SCC,

Peter Nutting SABC

MS - As I have said the Youth Capital Fund will help with your ideas for planning a building for Pontesbury. I know a lot of work has been going on to make this happen and I look forward to seeing your applications.

PN - I don't know the answer but parents must help if you want a youth club. Why should it be a council responsibility - do it for yourselves.

Community Wellbeing (Leisure and recreation)

Why can we not have a park for young and older young people like the one in Telford Town Park?

Matt Smith

Peter Nutting SABC

We have the Quarry and I would not swap it for Telford Park.

Community Wellbeing (Leisure and recreation)

For the public should the swimming baths stay where it is or move to an out of town site with better car parking available?

Peter Nutting SABC

We are consulting on that at the moment but we must consult with everyone not just current users.

Community Wellbeing (Leisure and recreation)

Were you to move the swimming baths how long would the time be without the swimming facility?

Peter Nutting SABC

Robin Hooper SABC

PN - I don't know as its far too early to say.

RH - If the Council were to move the swimming bath it would be planned that the Council would retain the existing swimming baths in operation until the new ones were built. Therefore it would not be proposed that the residents would be without a swimming facility. If there were to be a refurbishment and restoration of the existing swimming pool site then it would depend upon the nature of that refurbishment what impact there would be on available swimming. That would be a matter which would need to be addressed as it relates not just to the tanks in which the water is situated but also the plant which operates them. More information on that will be known later in the year.

Community Wellbeing (Leisure and recreation)

I would like to see an ice rink in Shrewsbury.

Peter Nutting SABC

Why don't you write to the national companies and encourage them to come to the town.

Community Wellbeing (Leisure and recreation)

Please could you provide more entertainment for teenagers around country areas.

Robin Hooper SABC

The Borough Council has responsibility for approximately 200 square miles within the centre of Shropshire. Much of the area is rural in nature and the population is sparse around that area. It is not possible to provide entertainment in each and every village or parish within the borough due to the financial costs of the provision of those facilities and also the ongoing running costs. Therefore what the Council has done has sought to provide as many facilities as can be afforded in financial terms within Shrewsbury to which access can be gained. Within the rural areas the Council has been working with the various communities to see what facilities could be provided and how those could be funded within the area. In particular multi-use games areas, play parks and recreation fields have been provided over the last five years in order to meet some of those needs.

Through the Youth Service there may be potential for introducing improved and increased transport links from parts of the rural area into Shrewsbury or other areas where entertainment facilities exist in order to provide easy access for teenagers and others.

Community Wellbeing (Leisure and recreation)

I live in Cressage and there isn't anything to do apart from a park for under 11's and a football field and skate parks. There isn't anything to do, can't we have a swimming pool or something, there is not anything for girls.

Sarah Sivertsen

Robin Hooper SABC

It is not possible to provide swimming pools in villages due to the capital costs and the ongoing revenue costs of maintaining such a facility. What the Council would encourage is for individuals who wish to go swimming to use the facilities which are provided within Shrewsbury.

Community Wellbeing (Leisure and recreation)

Why are we spending money on a theatre when we need a new swimming pool?

Robin Hooper SABC

The Borough Council is proposing to upgrade the existing swimming facilities in Shrewsbury. That may mean a refurbishment of the existing swimming pools or the potential for a replacement pool elsewhere. A study will be undertaken to identify what the best options are and to see what the public reactions are to that. That would mean that the public would receive not only a new theatre but also a new enhanced swimming facility as well.

Community Wellbeing (Leisure and recreation)

New Park in Nesscliffe because its too small and there is too many kids crammed into one climbing frame.

Elizabeth and Laura

Robin Hooper SABC

In relation to a new park in Nesscliffe, this is something which could form part of the bidding process for a new leisure and recreation facility. The matter has been raised with the local councillor for his consideration and his name is Councillor John Cooke, North Farm, Felton Butler, Nesscliffe, Shrewsbury, SY4 1AS. e-mail: john.cooke@shrewsbury.gov.uk

The officer responsible for community and leisure facilities is Alan Wallin - 01743 281519 - e-mail: alan.wallin@shrewsbury.gov.uk

should you wish to present more evidence as to the need in Nesscliffe for such facilities.

Community Wellbeing (Leisure and recreation)

More areas for teenagers to hang out. More youth clubs wanted.

Robin Hooper SABC,

Peter Nutting SABC

RH - Provision of places where young people can meet is something which continues to be considered not only by the Borough Council but also by the County Council. The County Council provide youth workers that operate youth clubs within the borough. Where there is considered to be an identified need and suitable provision of facilities can be made available, then consideration will be given to that. However, there will be a need to look at what financial consequences there would be to ensure that budgetary provision is available for that.

PN - I will try to find more youth clubs but parents need to help.

Communty Wellbeing (consultation)

How do you plan to use information learnt tonight and make changes?

All - Robin, Martin, Daniel, Guy, Peter

RH - The ideas brought forward at the event will be considered as part of the policy making for the future. It will also involve other young people across the Borough in future events.

MS - I understand that a record of the evening is being complied and that it will be placed on the websites. I want to make sure that any actions we agree to are carried out so it would be helpful if you have asked a question that you leave your address and I will ensure you get a response. I think it's important that occasions like this, where we on the panel are called to account, actually make a difference. I would therefore be interested to make sure that at some time in the future you all have the opportunity to make sure we have done the things we said we would do.

PN - All the information will be considered but any changes must form part of the budget process.

Economic Wellbeing

More jobs for under 14's. What qualifications do I need to be in the Police force?

Steven

Guy Rutter Police

Link to West Mercia Police website:

http://www.westmercia.police.uk/

Economic Wellbeing

More jobs for under 16's in local areas to earn money.

Callum Wattam

Peter Nutting SABC

As a business owner I can only say that the rules for employing under 16s make it very difficult.

Environmental Wellbeing - Rural

What do you think about more places to go in rural areas for young people

Hannah, Bobbie, Ellie

Robin Hooper SABC

There is benefit in having as many places as possible for young people to meet and indeed for all sections of the community to meet within communities. That includes the rural areas as well as the urban areas. Often facilities do exist in the rural areas which are village halls and church halls and even in churches where people can meet and talk or do other activities. If anybody has ideas as to where the need for this could be, then please contact the Borough Council in order that we can see how that can be implemented.

Environmental Wellbeing - Transport

Young people find it difficult and expensive to get home after a night on the town. Can you arrange late night buses to main areas?

Louisa Dickenson

Martin Stephens SCC

(Asked Rob Surl)

Environmental Wellbeing - Transport

Why is there so little public transport on a Sunday?

Martin Stephens SCC

As above

Environmental Wellbeing - Transport

Why don't young people (under 18s) get free transport? We don't pay 'tax' yet will still have to pay for buses, even on our very limited 'paper money'.

Anon

Martin Stephens SCC

As above

Environmental Wellbeing - Transport

Why do I have to travel 6 miles to Pontesbury every day and catch the bus back, but because the LEA won't give me School in catchment area is £60 a term?

Martin Stephens SCC

As above

Environmental Wellbeing - Transport

Transport is too expensive, why?
Monkmoor lodge needs to be bigger.

Martin Stephens SCC

As above

I understand why you say Monkmoor Lodge Youth Centre is too small and I think it is a credit to the great staff in the youth service that you value our service so much you want to see it expanded. So why don't you think about applying to the Youth Capital Fund, its ideas just like this that we want to support.

Environmental Wellbeing - Transport

Bridge that links Whitchurch Road to Harlescott - Ashfields Park - want more lights.

Martin Stephens SCC

(asked Rob Surl)

Environmental Wellbeing - Transport

Free bus passes for young people because its too expensive to go to town.

Elizabeth and Laura

Martin Stephens SCC

As above

Environmental Wellbeing - Transport

More buses should run from Rowton to Shrewsbury.

Hannah, Bobbie, Ellie

Martin Stephens SCC

As above

Environmental Wellbeing - Transport

1) If we send a letter to the Council regarding safety on the road why do they not reply?

Martin Stephens SCC

As above

Environmental Wellbeing - Transport

2) Why do children have to pay so much for transport e.g. £124 1 term going to Pontesbury?

Martin Stephens SCC

As above

Environmental Wellbeing - Transport

Old people get free transport so should under 18's. We don't earn much money.

Martin Stephens SCC,

Peter Nutting SABC

MS - Asked Rob Surl

PN - I will look into this but it will take time.

Environmental Wellbeing - Transport

Old aged people get bus passes, so why don't we as young people?

Sundorne Crew (YP)

Peter Nutting SABC

PN - As above.

(MS - Asked Rob Surl)

Environmental Wellbeing - Transport

Elderly people get free transport, why don't we? When will the fishing pool in Snailbeach be open?

Steven Ellisneal

Robin Hooper SABC

The issue of free transport is one which can be dealt with by local authorities or indeed can be dealt with by the national government. If there is a wish for young people to have free transport and it may be a matter which should be means tested for all not just for the elderly or indeed the young, then it would be appropriate to lobby your Member of Parliament and the Prime Minister on that particular matter. It is more important in the rural area where facilities do not exist in the same format as they do in the urban area for there to be a greater subsidy for transport.

(MS - Asked Rob Surl)

Environmental Wellbeing - Flooding

How come there was no flood defences in Frankwell until the new Council Offices were built?

Robin Hooper SABC

The flood defences in Frankwell were devised by the Environment Agency in advance of the Borough Council purchasing the development of the new Council offices. Coincidentally the two developments took place at the same time and the Borough Council took the opportunity knowing that the Environment Agency was to construct the new flood defences to progress with purchasing the office development in Frankwell as its own offices.

Frankwell had flooded when the river broke its banks on many occasions over the years that Frankwell has existed. The introduction of the flood alleviation measures has meant that both residential properties and businesses in Frankwell will be protected in future from flood waters which is a great benefit to them.

(MS - Asked Rob Surl)