Agenda and draft minutes

Attended: Kyla (NIA), Bella (GA), Skye (NA), Tracy (NSG), Morcea Walker, Jamie Wells (WNC), Aimee Luck (WNC), Colin Stave (WNC Planning), Amanda Jacobs (WNC Planning)

A number of apologies recorded for sickness, exams and UCAS:

Kamron (BC), Henry (Chenderit) Lilybo (RHS), Lola (NSG), Lissy (UON), Haroon (NSB),

Apologies also from Cllr David Smith and Cllr Fiona Baker.

Honey Yaccub, former NSB rep, joined us for the evening after leaving school for Uni this year. It was lovely to see Honey, hear how she is getting on studying in London and congratulate her on her recent NSB awards! Thanks for the visit Honey!

Due to lower numbers we will review the action plan in the New Year ahead of February’s Induction session.

Colin Staves and Amanda Jacobs

Colin and Amanda attended to hear from young people about the plans for West Northants and the Local Plan which sets out a vision and framework for the development of an area. How we can meet the need for new jobs, new homes whilst also developing the infrastructure needed such as heath, road and transport, parks etc whilst also protecting the environment.

Local plans have to be produced by Law and last a minimum of 15 years. First plan under West Northants Council  (up to 2041) and will replace all the previous plans.

Vision focused on 3 areas: Economy, Society (People), Environment.

Planners asked about where they go to school/hobbies and what they like/don’t like about those spaces.

Quiet spaces – reducing distractions – is positive. Busy traffic areas is a concern particularly around school where there may be insufficient crossing areas/poor infrastructure.
Modes of transport included walking, public transport and also car. Cost and safety on buses can be an issue. Drapery as a change is very congested.

Where would you like to live and why? Somewhere you’ve been that you’d love to live…

Somewhere with speed limits and better infrastructure outside schools.
Skye mentioned Leeds/Manchester. Bella talked about York and buskers making the area more entertaining (no license needed) as a musician herself this was a real positive, Leeds has piano’s in the town. Tracy mentioned Cambridge being green and bike friendly, Oxford was mentioned similarly. Discussed the waterways links and using these.

Forum asked could you see yourself cycling to work in future? Some could depending on the job and how much stuff you needed to carry.

Stay or leave? Everyone was interested in moving away in future. Not enough ‘stuff’, and opportunities. Shopping – going to MK and Rushden Lakes. House prices not proportionate to the current offer. Discussed moving back in later years or the option to live here but commute to London for the lifestyle.
Closed shops/empty units bring down the look of an area. The young people use the town for socialising as well as shopping. When there is no activity people are bored and get into trouble or cause trouble in areas.
The perspective that young people are intimidating/unsafe in groups makes it difficult to find suitable spaces to spend time together as young people and have fun.

Actions:

·       The slides will be shared to the group with minutes so that those unable to make the meeting can also feed back - Aimee

·       Amanda and Colin to get back in touch when the consultation is live to gather further input from young people.

Record statements for HMD event 2024

Young people at the meeting filmed their statements for Holocaust Memorial Day. Remaining statements to be filmed in January.

An AMAZING Christmas game was played! Aimee and Jamie recreated a Christmas version of the ‘Sock Game’. You had to be there!

January:

Lowdown visit

Sex Education project

February:

Induction session

Jan- HMD Statements, Lowdown Visit, Sex Ed project review.

AOB:

Reminder to contact Aimee if you are interested in becoming a Youth Ambassador! Aimee to share information on the role again with minutes.

Wednesday 10 January, 4.30 – 6.30pm

Wednesday 21 February, 10am – 3pm

2024 planned meeting dates: