Youth Council election

The Leader of Herefordshire Council has given his support to create Herefordshire’s first ever Youth Council – just weeks before youngsters vote in the election.

Cllr Roger Phillips is keen to make the Youth Council a success and was on the campaign trail to promote the event at Haywood High School, Hereford, on Friday (February 10) where youngsters heard that they still had time to stand for seats. 

The Youth Council is aimed at giving people aged between 11 – 18 a say on local issues.

Lines will go live between March 6 – 10 when young people will be able to vote for their favourite candidate by texting 60003 followed by the candidate’s name and the seat they are standing for.

A numerical digit will be issued to reflect the seat.

A full list of candidates names, seats and numerical digits will be issued shortly.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for young people to become engaged in the political making process,” said Cllr Phillips.

“We often hear young people say that they have no say on local issues or how local authorities such as Herefordshire Council spends its budget.

“By getting involved in the Youth Council, young people will be able to work in partnership with Herefordshire Council.

“I would like to wish the would-be candidates the best of luck and I look forward to working with them in the near future.”
 
The county will be split into eight geographical areas: Hereford North, Hereford South, Bromyard, Ledbury, Ross, Kington/Weobley, Leominster/Wigmore and the Golden Valley.

Candidates will stand in each area and the top 20 with the most votes will be elected.

A road show promoting the elections has already been successfully launched.

Herefordshire Council’s Youth Service mobile bus has just completed a whistle-stop tour of secondary schools in a bid to raise awareness and attract candidates for the election.

A series of special half-day events, called ‘Making Your Mark’ days, is also being staged across the county throughout half-term week. These are aimed at young people who are interested in standing as a candidate.

During these events youngsters receive help on how to draft their own manifestos.

All manifestos will then be published as leaflets and sent across the county before voting.

Candidates should be energetic, have ideas, commitment to the cause and the willingness to listen to, and represent, other young people.
Making Your Mark Days will be held at the following locations and dates from 12.30pm onwards:

• Ross and surrounds at the Royal Hotel, Ross, Tuesday 14th Feb.
• Kington/Weobley and surrounds at the Kington Youth Centre, Tuesday 14th Feb.
• Hereford City North and surrounds at TGS on Wednesday 15th Feb. 
• Hereford City South and surrounds at the Three Counties Hotel Wednesday 15th Feb.
• Bromyard and surrounds at the Bromyard Centre, Wednesday 15th Feb.
• Leominster/Wigmore and surrounds at the Talbot Hotel, Leominster on Thursday 16th Feb.
• Golden Valley and surrounds at Peterchurch Community Hall on Thursday 16th Feb.
• Ledbury and surrounds at the Market Hall Ledbury, Friday 17th Feb.

For more details on the election, how to register and Making Your Mark days, visit http://www.herefordshireyouthcouncil.co.uk/ or contact Amy Lunt on: (01432) 383008.