23 February, 2004

The next meeting of St Edmundsbury Cabinet, at 5pm on 3 March 2004, will be held in the dining hall of Samuel Ward Upper School and TechnologyCollege, Chalkstone Way, Haverhill. This meeting follows a highly successful "Business at Home" event in Haverhill on 18 February when leaders from the business sector met Council Leader Cllr John Griffiths, Chief Executive Deborah Cadman and the Corporate Management Team to discuss Haverhill issues.

The venue was chosen to give easy access for students, who study citizenship as part of their curriculum, so they can see at first hand how decisions affecting the borough are made. More particularly, it is also an opportunity for portfolio holders to have a fact-finding visit in advance of a report to a later Cabinet meeting about Samuel Ward's plans for better football facilities at the school. The visit will include a tour of the site and a presentation from staff and students.

Council Leader Cllr John Griffiths said:

"This meeting in Haverhill builds on the excellent community work started during the last Local Democracy Week when sixth form teams took part in a debate on issues such as affordable housing and leisure facilities for young people. This was followed by an excellent presentation on the Cattle Market redevelopment by representatives from a Bury St Edmunds school. The Cabinet is keen to engage as many young people as possible in the democratic process which is why we are delighted that we are able to hold our meeting at Samuel Ward school and we look forward to future visits to Haverhill."

Other Haverhill issues on the Cabinet agenda for the 3 March meeting include the new volunteer centre and the proposed transfer of Haverhill Arts Centre to Haverhill Town Council.

                                                                        ENDS