Youth in our Community
BURGHFIELD PARISH COUNCIL
YOUTH FACILITIES
At a recent BNAG meeting discussions were held about the perceived lack of facilities for young people in Burghfield, specifically for the ages 11-16. This paper sets out some of the initiatives developed by the Parish Council specifically aimed at young people.
Skate Park
The erection of a skate park is an excellent example of how young local people can participate in local initiatives. They joined forces and presented a strong case for a skate park. The Parish Council supported this initiative despite some objections from local residents. Burghfield now has excellent skateboarding facilities.
Use of Floodlit Pitches – Willink School
Thames Valley Police developed an initiative allowing the use of the floodlit pitches at Willink School every Monday evening. This was fully supported by the Parish Council who also partially funded this initiative.
Youth Club
The Burghfield Parish Council allows the use of the Village Hall for the Youth Club and has continued to allow its use despite recent incidents of damage to the Village Hall.
Burghfield Scout Group
Burghfield Parish Council have supported the local Scout Group and a recent meeting with Scout leaders has identified this is a well supported group. There is a proposal to extend the facilities to cope with increasing numbers.
Pavilion
Burghfield Parish Council spent £200,000 building a modern pavilion on the recreation ground for the better enjoyment of the facilities there by all age groups, but in particular the youth teams.
Hatch
The Parish Council, despite public criticism, re-laid and reseeded the Hatch Recreation Ground to create a pleasant area for playing football and other games. It is now well used.
In addition, there are:
· Burghfield Football Club who run teams at all ages;
· Good bus links to Reading Town Centre following the introduction of Vitality Service:
· Goalposts located on Auclum Green;
The Parish Council has made attempts to give young people a say in local matters, specifically what is required to meet their needs.
In 2007, the Burghfield Parish Council resolved to set up a Youth Forum to ensure young people had a voice and a say in local issues. Posters were circulated in the local area, including the Willink School, to gather support for this initiative giving individuals the opportunity to volunteer. To date, no response has been received and the Youth Forum has yet to start despite the best efforts of the Parish Council.
It is unable to second guess what might be required and it is not clear whether the comments are made by those who insist on vandalising local assets such as the Pavilion.
The Parish Council does not have the answers for what could be seen as a national problem however it is open to ideas from young people as to how things can be improved. The Parish Council is not however prepared to be coerced into any initiatives that simply represent the views of the minority especially when there is a forum in place that is simply not being used.
As a Parish Council we are always open to ideas and welcome dialogue with all local residents of any age.
M P-B