Call for bigger police presence in Barnham

Katie Emms (14), who begins at St Philip Howard Catholic High School this week, said the greater presence would reassure those young people who went out socialising at night.

She said: "When you walk through the town in the evenings, you often encounter intimidating and threatening behaviour. There seems to be little deterrent to that.

"You hardly ever see a police presence and people don't feel safe going out. More police on the streets would reduce crime and promote public safety."

Former Littlehampton pupil Katie made her plea when she addressed Arun District Council members at the launch of a new leaflet which focuses on how life could be made better for young people.

It arises from this year's Arun youth council at which the call for more police was one of the priorities.

Another priority about which Katie also spoke to the district council, was using its regular Arun Times magazine to promote positive images of young people.

She was joined at the council meeting by the youth council's outgoing chairman Rob Peters (18).

He called for an extension to the junior wardens scheme launched at Laburnum Grove Junior School in Bognor earlier this year. He said the leaflet was just one result of a youth council which was the most proactive in the county.

The vibrant publication suggests how young people can help contribute towards their wellbeing as well as benefit the community. It also contains ways in which the district council could help improve life for that age group.

The suggestions are based around five priorities discussed by more than 80 youngsters at the annual conference.

The priorities are based around being healthy, staying safe, enjoying and achieving, making a positive contribution and achieving economic wellbeing.

Rob Peters said: "What's so great is that so many young people are involved in these key actions already.

"These are not suggestions made by adults. They were created by ordinary young people for themselves and are a credit to every one involved.

"The key findings of these is that we must not solely rely upon others to give us a boost in life.

"It's up to every single individual to reach their full potential.

"This can be as easy as making use of sports facilities, as ambitious as starting a community litter-pick or as responsible as committing to keeping a healthy balance between school work and having a social life."

Council leader Cllr Gill Brown promised the council would continue to work with the youth council and take its views into account.

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