YOUNG people in Pendle are calling for lively communities with a reduction in violence, more leisure facilities, preservation of the countryside and less vandalism.

They made their suggestions about how life should be in Pendle in the next ten years when they met local councillors and officers at Nelson Town Hall.

Their comments will now be incorporated into a report to be presented to the council in deciding future policy from a youth point of view.

Two students from each of the borough's seven secondary schools and Gibfield special school along with representatives from the pupil referral service, East Lancashire Careers Service, Lancashire County Council's youth and community service and Groundwork East Lancashire attended the meeting to express their views.

They were asked questions such as did they think their views were taken into account when planning council services, and what were the good and bad things about living in Pendle. They were also asked if a youth council would be a good idea.

what would make Pendle a better place in which to live?

would a youth council be a good idea?

Brian Astin, the council's corporate policy manager, said it was an excellent first meeting with some of the area's young people.

He added: "Their views were both interesting and illuminating.

"We will now consider how we should consult young people in future regarding issues that affect them."