Being involved in community projects and local politics can sometimes feel like groundhog day.

Two steps forward and one step back. That’s why it was so refreshing to meet with an 11-strong delegation from the Welwyn Hatfield Youth Council.

Following the meeting I came away re-energised and inspired by their ideas and feedback, and suitably challenged on what we are doing to serve the young people of our town.

High on the list was the need to provide and promote spaces for young people.

This included well maintained and open access to green spaces to enjoy and play casual sports, and indoor areas where young people could get together to play games and join in fun competitions.

Larry Crofton (Image: Hatfield Town Council) The youth councillors also explained how art and music provisions were difficult and expensive to access for young people, and urged their adult counterparts to look at how we could support making instruments, art supplies and - most importantly - space available to young people so that they could work on creative projects, even if they choose not to pursue formal qualifications at school or college.

They suggested that smaller but regular showcases would also provide a platform for young people to display their talents and help build their confidence.

I was particularly interested in the suggestion of creating robotics and coding clubs to encourage interest and building skills with new technologies.

One youth councillor also highlighted the lack of programmes to support aspiring young women in this area, remarking that in a recent competition they were only one of two girls involved, and then the other one dropped out, leaving just them.

What was clear is that the notion that that teenagers don’t care or aren’t interested is simply not true.

As the chair of the youth council made clear "Most teenagers are keen but they are often ignored and are not included in decision makers".

I will certainly look to address this going forward and believe our town will be better for it.

I should add that in addition to sharing their ideas, aspiration and challenges, the youth council also tested out our new laser tag game.

The new facility, which is available to hire for parties was a big hit and I’m sure we’ll see a number of the youth councillors return in the near future.

Funzone Laser Tag (Image: Welwyn Hatfield Council) Explore Hatfield

This is usually where I highlight a particular place in Hatfield to explore (and there is a lot going on).

However this week I wanted to encourage young people to consider joining the Welwyn Hatfield Youth Council.

It's made up of like-minded individuals aged 11-19 who really want to make a positive difference in our community.

Any young person aged 11-19, who lives, works or is educated in Welwyn Hatfield can join the youth council, and you can find out more by emailing youthcouncil@welhat.gov.uk.