Mayor hits out at provision for town’s youth

Shefford mayor Councillor Paul Mackin says Central Beds Council is not providing enough activities for the youngsters of the town.

Youth provision in Shefford is the responsibility of sub-contractors MAD (Make a Difference) .

Mr Mackin said: “The council are not providing enough for young people in Shefford.

“A contractor has been employed to lay on activities but in Shefford this has amounted to a couple of football games which were held in Clifton.

“If that’s the way things are going to be run then the town council would like to take care of youth provision and should also be given the budget to do so.”

Keeping youngsters occupied, especially at weekends and during the school holidays should always be a priority in the town, Mr Mackin said.

He added: “We have a lot of young people in Shefford and it is vital that we engage them.

“Sport and team activities are good in a social way and also in terms of exercise and fresh air.”

Councillor Mark Versallion, executive member for children’s services at Central Beds Council said: “From Monday, April 1, a new provider will be running youth services across Central Bedfordshire.

“We will be asking them to meet with Shefford Town Council and other representatives from across the area to discuss how best to meet the needs of young people in the region.”