YOUNGSTERS are always complaining that there is not enough to do after school and that their views are not taken seriously by adults.o

Well, all that is about to change as there's a 'Big Shout Goin' Out' to Enfield's 12 to 19-year-olds inviting them to join the council's new youth assembly.

The Independent is proud to support this campaign and intends to follow the progress of the new panel to ensure the youth of our borough have a voice.

Polling day is Thursday January 31, 2002 and young people are coming forward as candidates to represent Enfield's youth in all parts of the borough to speak for them.

This means candidates can be drawn from schools, youth clubs and various interest groups and there are even places for those who have not been elected but want to make a contribution on one of the sub-groups of the assembly.

Project manager Peter Smith said: "This is a great chance for all young people to get their concerns discussed and onto the council agenda. We are nearing the final stages of a long process of presentations in schools, clubs and meeting groups.

"This really is going to make a difference to young people all over Enfield we want them to respond in their thousands."

The core youth group, Making a Difference (MAD), has been speaking at youth venues telling audiences of young people how important the youth council is going to be.

There has been considerable interest but MAD wants to ensure that the message is reaching as many young people as possible.

Visits have been made to see hard-to-reach youngsters on estates and contact has been made with the Enfield Youth Offending Team.

Giant posters advertising the new assembly will be appearing all over town and potential candidates are asked to call Enfield Council on 8366 6565 for an information pack.