YOUNG people in Herefordshire believe they do not have a big enough say in local issues, according to one of the biggest youth surveys carried out in the county. As a result, Herefordshire Council is backing a bid to create a youth council, with a first election being staged next year.

A total of 57% of teenagers questioned as part of Herefordshire Council's survey said they did not have a voice in the local decision-making process.

But 19% believed the council did give them enough opportunity to influence important decisions - compared with 14% in a similar survey in 2003.

More than 3,000 people, aged between 13 and 18, responded to the survey, a partnership between Herefordshire Council Youth Service team, Connexions, The Herefordshire Partnership and Transportation.

The survey, posted to more than 10,000 addresses across the county including Hereford, Ross-on-Wye and Leominster, covered issues such as services, health, transport and local democracy.

Other major findings revealed that 73% of young people felt that health, and health services, were important to them and did not need a lot of improving.

School and learning were also highlighted as important and well delivered while leisure facilities and transport links were identified as needing a lot of improvement.

Connexions was by far the most popular information service used by young people (66%), libraries (42%) were second with web-based info sites taking third place (28%).

And 76% believe there should be a youth council established in Herefordshire to empower young people and encourage them to speak out.

The Youth Council Action Group hopes to stage its first election early next year when candidates will battle it out for 25 seats, which will include a Hereford North and South Ward, a Leominster Ward and a Bromyard Ward as well as seats in Ross-on-Wye, Ledbury, Kington and Golden Valley.

Candidates, aged between 11 and 18, will be sought through schools, youth clubs and other community groups, who will receive publicity material in the near future.

Votes are likely to be submitted via a special text number, which could be set up and announced nearer the time. For more details about the Youth Council contact Amy Lunt on (01432) 383008.