Youth group on the cards after survey (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Youth group on the cards after survey

A POSITIVE response by adults and young people to a recent parish survey may lead to the formation of a youth club in Ilmington.

A group of seven volunteers are now planning to meet youngsters to find out what facilities they would like and how to go about providing them.

Thirty-six teenagers in the village who completed their own special questionnaire said they would like to have a permanent youth club with its own meeting place. In return eight adults have offered their help, with a wide range of skills and experience including sports, crafts, drama, music and gardening.

"We shall find out in more detail what activities the young people are interested in," said parish plan steering group chairman Sheila Ribbans. "We were really encouraged by the response from them and from people in the village willing to help."

Youth worker Carla Harris said: "It is great when a community shows it wants to offer something for its young people. The first step is now for the two sides to get to know each other in a friendly informal atmosphere."

Asked what they liked best about living in Ilmington, the teenagers put access to the countryside top of their list, followed by friends and the playing fields. Top hates were the lack of public transport, "not enough to do" and "anti-youth prejudice." Their wish list included a permanent meeting place, more sports facilities with lighting, along with drama and music groups.

More than 80 per cent of households answered the 72 questions in Ilmington's parish plan survey. The results are now being analysed and will yield a draft plan for the village's short-term and long-term future. Once agreed at a public meeting this summer, an action plan will go forward to be considered by the parish, district and county councils.