St Edmundsbury’s Council Chamber can be a daunting place if you are making a presentation but a student from Haverhill took it all in his stride this week when he presented local councillors with his own views on the future of the borough.
Alex Pickett from Samuel Ward Upper School in Haverhill made his presentation at the Full Council meeting on 13 December as part of the debate on the Vision 2025 strategy document.
Alex gave a thought-provoking and personal view on how the borough might change in the next two decades and set out his own priorities, including the development of Haverhilltown centre, improved rail links, more young people having their say, better rural transport and better facilities for young people.
Representing his school, Alex had taken part in both Vision 2025 consultation events in Haverhill and had given a similar presentation to students from Samuel Ward and Castle Manor Upper School in October. The borough Mayor, Cllr Stefan Oliver, was so impressed with his presentation that he invited Alex to share his thoughts with all councillors as part of the main debate on the Vision document.
Council Leader, Councillor John Griffiths, said:
"Vision 2025 is all about ensuring the borough remains a place we all want to live and work in and gets even better, so it is really important to listen to young people - to find out what they need now and, as the adults, workers and parents of our future, their aspirations and concerns.
Alex's presentation was referred back to by councillors throughout the evening and everyone who heard him was impressed by his thoughtful and well-researched insight, as well as his confidence and humour. He is an excellent ambassador for his school and young people in the borough. We are now really looking forward to working with the new Youth Forum which includes both upper schools in Haverhill."
Howard Lay, head teacher at Samuel Ward Upper School said:
“Young people have a very powerful voice in shaping the future and often have articulate, intelligent and reflective views about what they believe their country should be like in 50 years time. Alex is a highly effective and representative example of the increasingly dynamic and positive way the students are moulding the future at Samuel Ward. He is a first rate ambassador for the school council”
ENDS
Notes to editors
· Photographs of Alex giving his presentation are available on request.
· More information about the Vision 2025 project is on our website: http://www.stedmundsbury.gov.uk/sebc/live/vision2025.cfm. Go to Council Services/Plans and Policies/Vision 2025.
ISSUED BY MARIA STAFF, COMMUNICATIONS UNIT, ST EDMUNDSBURY BOROUGH COUNCIL. Tel 01284 757033. maria.staff@stedsbc.gov.uk
