Young people speak out about their youth facilities

10.44.00am GMT Mon 14th Dec 2009

Cllrs Jenny Hannaby (left) and Zoe Patrick (right) with representatives of the Sweatbox Union Youth Forum

Three young people from the Sweatbox Union Youth Forum recently spoke at Oxfordshire County Council's Children's Services Scrutiny Committee to oppose the proposed cuts in youth work funding, which the Conservative controlled County Council is considering as part of its budget setting exercise. They also met their local Lib Dem Councillors, Zoe Patrick and Jenny Hannaby, at Oxfordshire County Hall.

Scrutiny committees are currently meeting to discuss where savings can be made and committee members can contribute to the debate. The budget will be set at a full council meeting in February next year.

Cllr Patrick said: "The young people made an excellent presentation to the committee and were given a round of applause. The councillors round the table seemed impressed and did appear to have been convinced of what a valuable asset our youth centres are. I also spoke at the committee arguing the case that the Sweatbox is one of the few facilities which we have in our area and serves a huge population from Grove, Wantage and the surrounding villages."