'Super Plan' for young people in Morpeth

3.10.00pm GMT Mon 12th Nov 2007

It is vital that we have worthwhile activities for young people of all ages. "We can't complain about misbehaviour if we are not providing anything to help them develop and improve," says Stobhill Lib Dem councillor Ian Lindley. Much good work is already being done, for example, the Morpeth Youth Initiative receives funding from Morpeth Town Council (the only council covering Morpeth run by Lib Dems). But Ian thinks much more can be done. "Young people will respond well if their free time is not wasted. This is why we believe that there should be a range of social, sporting, musical and creative activities available for all, regardless of income." Several organisations contribute to the current range of youth provision and up to now each group has had separate plans and competed for limited funding. Stobhill councillors have now gained the agreement of key organisations to work together with an integrated vision. Ian says: "Having a single, clear plan to improve and develop what is available for young people means working more efficiently and getting more for our money. It should also help us to attract new funds. Starting in Stobhill, we will continue to work hard to do more and better for all our young people."