A group of his friends thought that, although the reprimand was justified, there was an implication that all young people were the same - just hanging around causing trouble. They were sure that this was not fair, they were also especially concerned that they were not being listened to and had few local facilities. They were asked what they wanted to do to change the situation. And came up with the solution of a youth council, a group of 15 teenagers who come together to gather and voice opinions to influence decisions that they hope will help the wider community. None are 'just' volunteers, those who wanted to be on the council were elected by their peers.

Martin Newport, aged 15, was one of those voted on. He says "I was bored sitting at home and fed up with adults assuming that all young people were just out to cause trouble. By working together to put our views across, we now help the Parish Council make the right decisions".

According to 17-year old Becky Chant "I used to be a bit of a 'car parker', so it was quite daunting going to the first Parish meeting. I learned how to put our points across and be effective - getting the basketball court was a great boost. We've just planned our next steps at a weekend away in North Devon, setting milestones which we need to meet to be successful.

I started out as the vice-chair and in at the beginning there was a big lack of respect between old and young people. But once we were listened to, we started to feel part of the community." commented Becky, who is now chair of Youth Council and currently studying for A-levels.

The project started in 2004 and has already notched up a couple of successes - changing the lighting arrangements in one street, where the low level of lighting was a danger to the young people using it. Second on the hit list was a diversionary basketball court and currently consultations are taking place around an idea for a new youth shelter.

Last month (November 2005), the group won a £4000 grant to help develop youth councils in other areas of Somerset. The fund, provided by the Government of the Office South West as part of its regional Sparkplug Programme, will be used to finance a short film and presentation evenings to sell their ideas and their success around the county.

Darren Hall, GOSW Regional Crime and Drugs Manager and the fund investor said "I am really excited by the range of ideas and innovation that is shown when you empower people to do things for themselves. All too often young people are not given the voice they deserve. When young people learn to understand the issues, they bring fresh thinking and new enthusiasm to partnership working".

The Sparkplug Programme is a self-help initiative against crime and drugs running until March 2006 across the South West, managed by the Centre for Public Innovation.