YOUNG people have been asked about their ideas to improve the facilities on offer at Rowley Regis’ Britannia Park.

At a recent skate boarding competition, the Friends of Britannia Park and Sandwell Council asked the young people for their views about the popular park.

Councillor Syeda Khatun, the council’s deputy leader, said: “It was a very worthwhile event and it was good to be able to listen to the views of local young people because we want to take them into account when we plan improvements.

“We wanted to get their input into proposals for the park and to improve our relationship with them.

“There is also the hope that it will generate a sense of ownership of the park.”

The skateboarding competition was backed with a £350 Youth Offer grant from the Rowley Local funding and was organised by the council’s young people’s services, Rowley CANDO (Community Activity Network Development Officer) and Creation Skate Park.

Cllr Simon Hackett, cabinet member for children's services, who was joined by council officers at the event, added: “I enjoyed meeting the young people who use the park and to hear their ideas for the future.

“It is important to get along to events like this and engage with younger members of the public and to keep their views in mind when we discuss possible improvements in the future.”