Site will give youth a say

11:08am Thursday 23rd March 2006

YOUNG people can now have more say in how Waltham Forest is run thanks to a new website and youth panel.

Young Voice and website www.Forestflava.org.uk were launched to keep youngsters up to date on matters that affect them and allow them to take part in the decision-making process.

A council spokesman said the local authority had been developing Young Voice since last summer.

Thirteen secondary schools and more than 200 young people are involved in the panel and the council will be working with them to open it up to all youngsters aged 11 to 19 who live or study in Waltham Forest.

The new website will be full of information about activities, events, games and local music aimed at teenagers and it is expected to go live in the summer.

Council leader Clyde Loakes was at the launch, which also included a series of workshops, at Walthamstow Assembly Hall in Forest Road.

Cllr Loakes said: "Young people are important members of our communities. It is vital they are involved in developing services which affect them."