A lively 75-minute debate was held at Melton Theatre on Friday with secondary school pupils and college students firing questions at a panel chaired by Alan Duncan MP.

Topics covered included everything from ridding Melton of plastic bags and the access teenagers have to drugs and alcohol in Melton to protestors on the roof of the House of Commons and Prince Harry serving in Afghanistan.

Two topics which generated a lot of debate were the cost of transport for young people, particularly those living in rural areas, and the lack of facilities for young people.

Melton Council's decision to close the flume pool at Waterfield Leisure Pools as part of plans to refurbish the rest of the facility was strongly criticised and calls were made for the council and others to investigate the viability of facilities such as a bowling alley and climbing wall.

But on the positive side students learned that more opportunities are being made available to young musicians with Venture House in Asfordby Road planning to run weekly band nights and a Mayor's Young Variety Show at Melton Theatre on Saturday, May 3.

The event, introduced by Mayor Pam Posnett, was run like the BBC's Question Time programme and was staged and filmed by BTEC media production students at Brooksby Melton College.

The Melton Times is putting together a video report of the event which was also recorded by community radio station 103 The Eye for broadcast.

Quotes from panel members
Peter Osborne, county councillor and cabinet member: "The Government introduced 24-hour licensing in the belief it would encourage a more sensible drinking culture but we have to admit it has not worked and we should revert to the old system."

Joe Orson, deputy leader of Melton Council: "I was very disappointed when cannabis was reclassified as I see it as a 'doorstep drug' to other more harmful drugs."

Nicki Orridge, Young Mayor: "Every town has a problem with under-age drinking and a lot of teenagers get alcohol from their parents."

Duncan Greene, Melton Skatepark campaigner: "The Commons protesters were wrong to do what they did. It did get them a lot of publicity but raised issues about security rather than make people think about the issue of the third runway at Heathrow."

Jonny McGrady, young media entrepreneur: "In tackling alcohol and drug misuse education is the key and parents have to lead the way."

Alan Duncan MP: "In a show of hands 90 per cent of the audience said they were interested in politics and that was both surprising and encouraging."