YOUNG people in Kirkby Stephen could soon be influencing local politics if a new youth participation scheme gets up and running.

The idea of a youth ambassador scheme which will see young people involved in the decision-making process was greeted with enthusiasm at a meeting of Kirkby Stephen Town Council.

The meeting was attended by Sarah Bisson, a youth participation worker working for the Eden Youth Partnership, who has been closely involved with setting up a similar scheme in Penrith.

The scheme sees young people elected to a youth council on a ward-by-ward basis in a similar way that adult councils are formed.

The youth council would have its own constitution and the young people would get involved with town council business and have a say on the issues that affect them.

Councillor Colin Albon asked why the youth councils that were already in place in local schools could not be used more effectively, rather than setting up a completely new youth council.

Ms Bisson said that school youth councils were more likely to attract children who were interested in school issues while an external youth council would be more likely to be of interest to those outside the school system.

It is hoped that the Kirkby Stephen Youth Council pilot scheme will have its first elections in spring next year and be up and running by September.

Councillor Alex Birtles was also enthusiastic about the scheme saying it "was a good thing and would encourage participation with the town council."

PC Roly Earl also expressed his support, especially as a means of tackling the low level anti-social behaviour that has been occurring in the town, especially around the Cloisters area.

"It would give them the opportunity to explore different things," he said.

Ms Bisson also believes it will give young people a forum to "challenge negative stereotypes both on the side of the town council and young people."

This was echoed by PC Earl: "How else can kids who are receiving criticism make their voices heard?" he said.

Ms Bisson's work received the support of chairman Coun Sheila Haughey, who suggested that it would be good for young people to attend a town council meeting "so we can show them what's going on."