BUNTINGFORD Youth Council launched its new manifesto - and it has promised to do all it can to improve transport links and entertainment facilities in the town. North East Herts MP Oliver Heald was present at the launch ceremony, along with the Mayor of B

BUNTINGFORD Youth Council launched its new manifesto - and it has promised to do all it can to improve transport links and entertainment facilities in the town.

North East Herts MP Oliver Heald was present at the launch ceremony, along with the Mayor of Buntingford, Cllr John Noades, county councillor Jane Pitman and representatives from Buntingford Town Council.

Tom Swain, 18, a member of Buntingford Youth Council, said: "The manifesto contains the results of the recent of a Who Are We?' survey, and reflects the way we want to move forward.

The youth council received 689 responses to its survey, which was sent out to pupils at Edwinstree Middle School and Freman College.

Respondents were asked their views on subjects such as local public services, and politics at both local and national levels.

Using the results, the youth council have come up with five action points.

These include exploring the possibility of regular cinema screenings at the Seth Ward Community Centre, and lobbying Herts County Council's transport unit to provide more frequent bus services between Buntingford, the surrounding villages, and Stevenage in the evenings and at weekends.

The survey also revealed that 77 per cent of respondents did not know who was their local MP.

The youth council plan to work with Mr Heald to arrange visits to schools at which he can talk about his role in Parliament.

He said: "I'm keen to go to the schools, and will be arranging visits to Freman College and Edwinstree in the near future.

"I hope they will become regular events. I've always been impressed with the work of Buntingford Youth Council, and will be writing to the local authorities to raise the other issues featured in this manifesto."

The youth council is planning a young persons' guide to Buntingford and a bi-annual newsletter which will include advice on careers, health, and recycling.