Young people from a Youth Forum wanted answers to issues in their community so they decided to go right to the top.

It was all part of this years Local Democracy Week, with a 'question and answer' session with leaders in their community, organised by the Bank Top Youth Forum in Blackburn.

More than 60 young people quizzed Sir Bill Taylor and Phil Watson, the Leader and Chief Executive respectively of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council in the Town Hall Council Chamber. The project is part of a Community Champions grant, supported by the Council, Bank Top Youth Forum and the local community.

Janied Inayat, a youth forum member asked the leaders about the provision for young people in the New Bank Road area of Blackburn, which has recently seen a dramatic rise in crime levels such as drugs, vandalism etc. Currently there is no provision at all in this area, but Sir Taylor and Mr Watson did give an undertaking to the young people that they would look into this and report back to them.

Other issues were raised during the two hour long session from the cost of transport for young people, housing needs, the environment and crime. The young people demonstrated to the leaders that they have a sound understanding of all issues and not just ones that have relevance to them.

Riffat Numan, the Forum's spokesperson said, "It was a really successful event, with young people from various backgrounds participating. Bank Top Youth Forum is looking for new partners to continue this innovative piece of work, and would like to work in partnership with other community groups."

There are due to be a further five more 'discussions' with other leading people for example education, local democracy etc. and Bank Top Youth Forum will be launching these in early 2004.