YOUNG PEOPLE in Ryedale have told the district council they want to be more involved in influencing its policy, and to work with the authority to create a vision of the future for the younger generation.

A team of councillors and officers came to these conclusions after carrying out an in-depth investigation into its services for young people as part of its on-going "best value" reviews of services.

"Throughout this review it has become clear that there is a large number of players in this area, and that a recurring theme has been the need to improve co-ordination," said the team, which is headed by economic development officer Andrew Leeming, and includes councillors Natalie Warriner and Stephen Preston in its membership.

Representatives from a wide range of other organisations were involved in the review, among them the YMCA, Ryedale child and youth projects, Voluntary Action, Special Families, community education, the police, and the North Yorkshire Business and Education Partnership.

The recommendations of the review, which was approved by the council's overview and scrutiny committee, were that there should be a young people's strategy or charter in Ryedale, the setting up of a contact point for youth issues, and the development of the council's role in spearheading packages of projects.

The report states: "What is clear from the review is that there is high regard for what the council has achieved in meeting the needs of young people in Ryedale, and that there is a great deal of good practice to build on for the future."

It adds: "Unemployment in Ryedale is very low and youth unemployment does not appear to be a problem, although there is a perception that many young people will seek employment elsewhere, such as Scarborough or York."

However, getting home and access to public transport is a headache, says the report.

The team said the council hadbeen instrumental in developing a package of projects aimed at helping young people to find work, housing, training and recreation, through the Ryedale Regeneration Partnership Programme.

The authority awarded 48 grants totalling £170,000 to youth-related

projects in the last financial year for arts workshops, music and the arts; other activities to encourage youngsters to shine at sport; and youth events.

But the team said the district council was not a youth service authority, and services had to be delivered by a range of agencies.

The young people surveyed complained that Ryedale had no local career opportunities and they felt "there was nothing to do" in the district. They were also concerned about other young people "hanging around" market squares in Ryedale, and "boy racers" in the towns. The skate park at Malton was labelled a great success.

Updated: 11:57 Tuesday, December 16, 2003