BUNTINGFORD Town Council have agreed to increase the age of its youth council members. Previously the age limit for youth council members was 18 years, but in an attempt to keep youngsters engaged with town matters the age has been raised to 21. The youn

BUNTINGFORD Town Council have agreed to increase the age of its youth council members.

Previously the age limit for youth council members was 18 years, but in an attempt to keep youngsters engaged with town matters the age has been raised to 21.

The youngest a member can be is 11-years-old.

Buntingford town clerk Jill Jones said: "To stand as a town councillor you have to be 21 years or over. The oldest a youth councillor could be was 18, which meant they had a three-year gap away from council matters.

"It makes sense to increase their age and gives them continuity. It will also give the youth council more experience and guidance. As a result the council can become more active and they will be given more time to develop and gain confidence."

The youth council runs along the similar lines as a parish or town council.

It is seen as an effective way of introducing young people to local government, as well as giving them a representative and democratic voice in the community as well as a degree of responsibility.

At the moment the youth council is in the process of donating a new bench to the High Street.

Its long-term goals include a summer music festival and better transport for youngsters.

There are 10 places on the youth council and it meets twice-a-month at the Manor House.

Mrs Jones said: "The youth council is an important part of the community. They seek to identify young peoples issues and concerns and then address them.

"They have the full support of the town council and they have the potential to benefit the town. They represent the young peoples voice in Buntingford.