Earlier this year, we asked young people across the borough to tell us what issues matter most to them and how they want the Youth Council to take action. We ran a survey and held workshops in schools, youth clubs, and online to gather your views.

Over 1,200 young people responded, and here’s what you told us:

• Mental health matters: You want more support in schools and better awareness of services available.

• Environment and climate: You care deeply about the planet and want more local climate action.

• Youth spaces and activities: You’re asking for more safe places to go and things to do, especially after school and on weekends.

• Cost of living: Many of you are worried about how it’s affecting your families and access to basic things like school meals and transport.

• Being heard: You want your opinions taken seriously and more chances to influence decisions that affect you.

Based on what you told us, here’s what we’ve done so far:

• Mental Health Campaign: We’ve partnered with local services to create a mental health awareness campaign in schools and online, led by young people.

• Environmental Action Plan: The Youth Council launched a “Green Pledge” initiative in March and is working with the council’s environment team to develop youth-led climate projects.

• Youth Spaces Audit: We reviewed local youth provision and secured funding to reopen two youth centres and expand weekend sessions.

• Cost of Living Panel: We’ve started a new project group focused on how cost of living issues affect young people, working with councillors to explore free travel and meal options.

• Youth Voice Hub: We’re setting up a digital hub for young people to find consultations, share views, and see real updates like this one.

As part of our plans to invest in green spaces, we asked residents to vote for their favourite local park. We wanted to know which parks you love most, how you use them, and where you think improvements are needed. The poll ran throughout July, and we invited everyone to get involved — online, in local libraries, and at community events.

We received over 2,300 votes and 400 comments! Here's what you told us:

• Willowbrook Park was the clear favourite, praised for its peaceful atmosphere, pond, and wildlife.

• Oakfield Recreation Ground was especially popular with families and dog walkers, thanks to its wide open space and playground.

• Maple Crescent Green came in third, with many of you calling it a “hidden gem” and asking for more seating and bins.

• You said you want:

  • Cleaner parks with better bins and regular maintenance

  • More inclusive equipment in play areas

  • Improvements to paths and lighting

  • Community events and nature activities

Thanks to your feedback, we’ve taken action:

• Willowbrook Park will receive funding for new benches, improved signage, and additional wildflower planting starting this autumn.

• Oakfield Recreation Ground will see upgrades to the play area, including more inclusive equipment for children with disabilities — designs are being co-created with local families.

• Maple Crescent Green is getting new litter bins, a community noticeboard, and a mural designed by local young people.

• We’re also developing a ‘Love Your Local Park’ programme with monthly clean-up days and seasonal events — starting with a spring picnic next month!

Earlier this year, we invited residents to share their ideas for the future of Antree Park. We wanted to know how you currently use the park, what you love about it, and what changes you’d like to see. Your feedback is helping us shape our improvement plans and funding priorities.

We heard from over 800 residents, including families, dog walkers, runners, nature lovers, and local youth groups. Here’s what you told us:

• Top requests included:

  • A revamped play area with more diverse and accessible equipment

  • More seating and shaded areas for relaxing and socialising

  • Better paths and lighting for safety and accessibility

  • A dedicated space for events, performances or community activities

  • Nature-friendly features like wildflower areas, bird boxes, and a small pond

• You also asked for:

  • Improved litter bins and more frequent maintenance

  • Facilities like a café kiosk or toilets

Thanks to your ideas, here’s what we’re doing:

• We’ve secured funding to redesign the play area, with inclusive equipment for all ages and abilities — coming Spring next year.

• We’re installing 10 new benches and two picnic shelters, based on your feedback.

• A new pathway and lighting plan has been approved, with works beginning this autumn to improve safety for walkers and cyclists.

• We’re introducing a “Green Corner”, with pollinator plants, bug hotels, and community planting days, co-designed with local schools.

• A pop-up café and toilet unit trial will run over the summer holidays to see how well they’re used.

• We’re creating a new noticeboard and online calendar so you can stay up to date with park events and developments.

Arlen Hill asked residents and stakeholders what their thoughts were about the council’s draft Climate Emergency Strategy, and what their top priorities are for which actions the council should take first.

We received over 2000 responses from residents, local businesses and environmental groups. Most respondents supported the draft Strategy in broad terms, but many also left us useful suggestions.

In terms of climate priorities, the top rated actions were:

• Transport: Arlen Hill urgently needs to reduce congestion on the roads and improve public transport so that people can get around without driving.
• Financial support: Many businesses are worried about the potential of rising business rates and the increasing cost of energy. Commuters are also concerned about Clean Air Zone charges, especially those on low incomes. Arlen Hill should provide support in these areas.
• Home insulation: Arlen Hill should prioritise getting all council-owned buildings upgraded and insulated, as well as installing solar panels wherever possible.

We’re updating the Climate Strategy to reflect your comments and concerns as well as your top priorities. Work has already started on insulating council buildings and we will bring out consultations on the top three priority areas (transport, financial support, home insulation) as soon as possible.