Consult young people on plans for new entertainment venues

10:57am Thursday 30th October 2008

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IF OUR council has serious intent to implement the new local management boards for libraries, heritage museums and galleries, such as William Morris and Vestry House, then it should listen to Cllr John Macklin, who asked: “What is the diet on offer locally in Walthamstow for our young people?”

We need look no further than the speech made by 16-year-olds Nicky and Lee Caulfield who wanted assurances for a suitable, newly built theatre in Walthamstow, to replace Lloyd Park Theatre.

The Caulfield twins have put together a residents’ petition that has been presented to the Mayor, that insists that any future decision to build a new multi-purpose performance centre must meet the acid test of approval from a study commissioned by the Theatre Trust.

Walthamstow desperately requires a new multi-purpose performance venue, to enrich the local arts talent and performance and entertainment base in our community.

This project should involve youngsters, including Nicky and Lee and their contemporaries, and be seen to be a commitment to unravel local options in giving some decision making power to the people, to determine what plans they have and which community ideas will work best.

Cllr Patrick Smith, Higham Hill ward councillor