Forum gives youth a say

After a questionnaire was delivered to every household in Buxted, High Hurstwood and Five Ash Down two years ago responses showed teenagers wanted more organised activities and a voice in the community.

As a result the Buxted Youth Council was formed and held its first meeting last November.

The council is called Next Step and ideas already put forward include the provision of a basketball court, a youth shelter or meeting place and tennis courts and some means of public transport to Uckfield, Brighton and beyond.

One concern raised at the first meeting was poor visibility during the winter when youngsters felt they took their lives in their hands walking home from the school bus drop-off point.

Next Step members decided they'd feel safer out and about if they carried a torch with a built-in personal alarm.

The group have now ordered 50 torch alarms thanks to donations from the Sussex Police Property Act Fund and Buxted Parish Council.

Next Step will decide which projects they would like the parish council to adopt and also play a part in the set-up process.

The group is open to all young people living in Buxted, Five Ash Down or High Hurstwood and meetings are held once a month.

The only qualification they need to join is to have lots of good ideas.

To find out more contact Buxted Parish Council clerk Colin Reed at: [email protected].