A local outgoing member of the UK Youth Parliament has launched a critical attack on the Council for its slow progress over plans to introduce superfast broadband in rural areas.
Will Bridges MYP, a former pupil at Writhlington School in Radstock and a current undergraduate student at the University of Bath, says the council isn’t taking rural areas seriously;
He said: “All we ever seem to hear about is investment in Bath. This is great if it’s balanced with the recognition that 90,000 people live outside of the city – but it isn’t.
“The Bath-centric nature of the council means that those of us living in rural areas are no better off. Almost 18 months ago the Cabinet said that every home would have superfast broadband. This is yet to materialise – you could start to wonder whether it will happen at all. Hollow words and false promises”
Will, who was elected to the post almost two years ago, will step down in January to make way for a new Member of the Youth Parliament in nation-wide elections.
He has spent time speaking on behalf of his peers with organisations such as Bath and North East Somerset Council. His term in office has included trips to the House of Commons, visiting constituents in their homes, attending meetings at the Guildhall and volunteering at events.
“My experience with the council hasn’t been a positive one. Their lack of appreciation for the towns and villages outside Bath is disheartening”, added Will.
Mr Bridges also raised concerns about the lack of priority from the Cabinet given to services for children and young people, highlighting cuts to children’s centres, the CAB, Connexions advice services, and the Youth Offending Team.
However, he did praise the work of former Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Nathan Hartley for his efforts to increase funding in this area – despite government cuts.
Will added: “Ever since Cllr Hartley’s time as Cabinet Member ended, children’s services no longer seems to be a council priority. His work within youth democracy, his tour of almost every school in the area, his protection of the youth service budget, and the work he did to raise awareness of LGBT issues among young people shouldn’t go unnoticed.”
Will plans to complete his degree in Politics and International Relations after January’s elections, with a possible return to politics in the future.
