Castle Green and Young People Under Scrutiny

Future plans for Castle Green and the reasons why young people are reluctant to come and work in the county will be discussed – and there will be opportunity for members of the public to take part in the debate.

Cllr Chris Chappell, Chairman of the Committee, said this was a departure from the usual format of Scrutiny Committees, but a move he hopes will encourage locals to get involved in the decision making process of the Council.

“A lot of people tell me they want to have their say in Council policies and activities – well, this is one way they can!

“Scrutiny Committees do exactly what they sound like they do – they examine decisions taken by our Cabinet Members and the various policies they are considering.

“The Scrutiny Committees can ask them to justify decisions they have made and make recommendations on their decisions.

“Our meeting on June 13 will focus on Castle Green, which is a crucial area of Hereford City and one which many people feel very strongly about.

“If you’ve got an interest in the area please come along to the meeting. Council Officers will be there to answer questions and, if you’ve got any questions you’d like to ask, we can raise them at the meeting if you let us know in advance what they are.

“There will also be a time when members of the public will be able to contribute to the discussion,” added Cllr Chappell.

The other main issue on the agenda will be the Council’s Young Persons’ Review, which is looking at why people aged between 18 and 35 are reluctant to come and work in Hereford, and what could be done to encourage them to do so.

“We need this age group in the city to make it a vibrant and economically successful place to live and work. They’re key not only to our future, but to our present,” added Cllr Chappell.

“There are many facets to this issue and anyone who feels they could contribute to our debate on this issue should come along.”

The meeting is to be held in Committee Room 1 at the Shirehall and begins at 6pm on Monday, June 13.

Anyone wanting to ask questions should submit them prior to the meeting – they need to be received by Committee Clerk Craig Goodall by 5pm on Thursday, June 9. Craig can be e-mailed at  cgoodall@herefordshire.gov.uk, or written to at “Brockington,” 35 Hafod Road, Hereford, HR1 1SH.