Drugs, crime but not rock n roll were discussed at a Question Time event held in the Imperial Hotel on October 16.
Members of Shepway Youth Forum put their questions to a panel including Conservative Prospective Parliamentary Candidate Damian Collins, Labour PPC Donald Worsley, District Council Leader Robert Bliss, Leader of Shepway Liberal Democrats Lynne Beaumont and Shepway District Police Commissioner Martin Bradley.
Members of the panel listened to questions covering subjects such as ASBOs, crime, travel issues, drug laws and school pressures for over 2 hours, giving their opinions and offering to help.
Learning that Stagecoach bus service charge full fares to anyone over 14 years of age, Cllr Beaumont promised to help, “I think this is wrong. I will write them a letter and let’s start a campaign,” she said.
Damian Collins supported concessions for students “I think it’s reasonable to have lower fares for under-18s who are in full time education.”
Other areas provoked lengthy debate, with the audience unafraid to challenge their elders and highlighting differences of opinion. The issue of legalising drugs split the panel. Mr. Worsley and Mr. Collins were against changes to the law, reasoning that making soft drugs more available could lead to abuse of harder drugs. Cllr Beaumont disagreed, arguing that “if alcohol was invented today it would be banned.”
The last similar event was held was over three years ago. Hoping in increase youth involvement and interst in politics as part of Local Democracy Week, organiser and Shepway Youth Development officer Tamasin Jarret said “Unfortunately attendance was slightly down on last time but I am happy with the event. The feedback was very positive. The Youth Forum meets fortnightly at the Civic Centre and we aim to hold an AGM in November."
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Tom, it was good to see you at the event and I'm sorry we didn't get the chance to talk.
ReplyDeleteAs with previous Shepway Youth Forum events there was plenty of challenging debate. I hope they organise a similar event during the election campaign.
Tom, thank you so much for this.
ReplyDeleteIts about time young people were in receipt of some good press.
I thoroughly enjoyed the evening and the questions put to the panel were varied and wide reaching.
I have contacted Stagecoach, asking when a 14 year old became an adult! I await their reply.
Thank you for introducing yourself at the end of the evening, it was great to meet you, and hopefully, we will meet again soon. I will let you know what happens with Stagecoach.
Lynne Beaumont