From Louise Raymond, Exeter 383578, July 3, 2008

A PETITION calling for better public transport, signed by over a thousand young people in Devon, has been recognised by national government and the National Youth Agency.

The petition to the Prime Minister, which calls for better, more affordable access to transport to enable young people to get to activities and facilities, was the result of an initiative from Devon's UK Youth Parliament.

The petition says: "We recognise that young people need to access services, facilities and positive activities, and that has also been recognised by the government. Unfortunately, however, for many young people their access is limited or prohibited as a result of the unavailability and/or cost of public transport. We therefore urge the Government to establish a commission to look at how existing resources, parental contributions and additional resources can be used to address this issue."

Devon County Council has supported the petition and has also lobbied for the support of the National Association of Principal Youth and Community Officers.

In a response to Devon County Council, the Government says: "The Department for Children, Schools and Families have asked the National Youth Agency to work with young people, stakeholder organisations, local authorities and transport providers to identify the key barriers faced by young people in relation to transport. We have also asked that they capture existing good practice from within this country and from other countries as well as working together to develop new solutions to what is a long standing issue for young people, particularly in rural areas. The lessons learnt from this work will feed into guidance for children's Trusts, who have the lead responsibility for making sure that young people, particularly those who are disadvantaged, are able to access local services and opportunities."

Executive Member for Devon County Council's Children and Young People's Services, Cllr John Smith, said: "We have pledged our support to young people in Devon's communities and given this petition our full backing, and I am delighted that it has resulted in recognition from Government in shaping the work of the National Youth Agency.

"The recent rise in fuel prices will make a bad situation worse, and lack of access to transport, particularly for parents in low incomes, will invariably result in some young people being unable to get to activities and services.

Principal Youth Officer Dillon Hughes added: "The fact that the National Youth Agency has been asked to undertake some work is highly significant, and will result in recommendations that will go back to the Prime Minister."

Ends

Councillor John Smith is available on 01626 772223.