Young voices take the lead as Westhoughton launches new Youth Council

Westhoughton Town Council has officially launched a new Youth Council, giving young people from across the town a direct voice in local decision-making.

The group is made up of sixteen members — two representatives from each of Westhoughton’s eight primary schools — who have already begun shaping ideas on safety, the environment and community life.

Councillor Sarita Chohan, who has helped to lead the initiative, said the enthusiasm and maturity shown by the new Youth Council had exceeded expectations.

“It’s been amazing, really amazing actually having these young people with so much to say,” she told councillors. “They’re talking about real issues that matter to them — speeding, the dangers of quiet electric vehicles near crossings, overgrown stop signs outside schools. They’ve even suggested running a poster competition and campaigns around litter and anti-smoking.”