Dear Editor,

The role of local councils is to serve the people, particularly the young, elderly and vulnerable.

Any political party, anywhere in the country has a duty to defend those that can’t defend themselves and to ensure that these people have the best access to facilities and the wide range of services available to them.

Since I was elected to serve the people of Peasedown in May 2007 I have strongly supported our excellent local youth centre and the fantastic range of opportunities that are provided there by Bridie Marshall and her staff.

Unfortunately now though, due to the passing of the 2010/11 B&NES Council budget back in February (proposed by the Conservatives, and supported by the Independents) the Youth Service has to be reorganised – which could see the closure of a youth centre in B&NES. 

Recently, two Labour Councillors have written to the local press proposing that the three main areas in the authority that should continue to have council-run youth centres are Bath, Keynsham and Radstock. In both letters, they indicate therefore that Peasedown Youth Centre should not be prioritised.

Thankfully I don’t share the Labour Party’s view about Peasedown and believe strongly that we need a council-run and funded youth centre where young people can go, learn new skills, spend time with people their age and take part in the range of activities that encourage them to give something back to the community.

At the end of September a formal consultation will begin which will ask us all for our views about the future of the youth service. I shall be working with the youth centre, residents and most importantly the young people of Peasedown to ensure that a strong message is sent from our village to the Council Cabinet that we’re proud of our youth centre and the positive contribution it makes to young people’s lives.

Yours sincerely,

Cllr Nathan Hartley

 Liberal Democrat, Peasedown St John