Web democracy (From Gazette & Herald)

Web democracy

A CYBER-surfing Ryedale councillor is using the worldwide web to put democracy in action for youngsters.

Stephen Preston is hoping young people in his Malton ward will log on to the new Youth Newsbite section of his website, www.councillor.info/ryedale/spreston/0/default.aspx

Any local youth can supply information about clubs, groups and events, sound off about anything, lodge questions and queries, send jokes and post items on the message board.

Coun Preston, of Milton Avenue, Peasey Hill, Malton, decided to put the idea into practice after being invited to a seminar by the New Local Government Network in London to discuss interim findings of its report on councillors' websites.

The engineer, who works at Flamingo Land Theme Park and Zoo, was one of only five councillors invited from across the country.

His website was picked as a good example of a clear, interesting and informative content. It features Malton photos, local appeal, news, maps, texts of speech to the council and a detailed biography.

Following the meeting, Coun Preston, who is a qualified youth leader with 20 years' experience, decided to let the young people have their say on his site.

He said: "I would like any young person that either is a pupil at any school in Malton, or any young person that lives outside the area who comes to any group - youth club, skateboard park, football club - in Malton, to send me details. In effect, tell me about anything. What don't you like? What do you want in the town? Let's see democracy in action in Malton."

Items already posted on the website include an inquiry from a 15-year-old in Hawthorne Avenue, Malton, who wants to buy some drums so he can set up a band.

One cyber surfer has posted a notice that reads: "For any young people wanting to learn a brass instrument or play with a band, Swinton and District Excelsior band is the place to be. I started learning to play the cornet with them over four years ago and am now playing with the main band."

Updated: 09:53 Saturday, February 12, 2005