FOLLOWING recent victory for local Conservatives in last month's borough council elections the team has been knuckling down to deliver their pledges to the town.

One of the councillors continuing in his role is Cllr Mike Rouse who has been kept in his position as portfolio holder for leisure, which includes cultural services and has been expanded this year to also include IT, lotteries and grants.

Speaking about his reappointment, Mike said: "The issue that comes up time and again is the perceived lack of things for young people to see and do.

"We need to do more in this space, and in a modern way too. Today's world is about technology and how we can use that to engage our town's young people and their families.

"I want to see us doing more with partners, such as Royal Enfield which has been a massive success. I saw for myself young people coming into the pop-up shop and posing for photos on the bike outside. So it's a start."

The cllr added: "But we need to have more of this, and make more use of the assets we have - our trees, parks and open spaces - to provide more ways to get more active more often."

"For instance, we are going to restore the original BMX Pump Track as a local option for young people."

"As reports are showing that fewer young people are leaving towns for the big cities it's clear we have challenges ahead to ensure there's enough here to keep young people interested.

"The evening economy and evening cultural options are also part of these challenges and right now we need to improve the experience for all age groups - making our town centre safer, more interesting and more accessible."