YOUNGSTERS are being encouraged to have their say on council decisions with the appointment of a new cabinet post for youth.

Councillor Laura Hryniewic is to join Gravesham Council’s cabinet as a member for Young Gravesham.

The new role is aimed at developing involvement and awareness among young people across all the work of the council.

Gravesham Council is also setting aside £50,000 from its capital grant to develop youth projects in the area.

Cllr Hryniewicz, a lecturer at Mid Kent College said: “With the creation of this role we are bridging the gap between what the council wants to do and what young people want to do.”

The 29 year-old added: “We will be using the internet to communicate with young people by asking them to post their comments on our website about the type of things they would like to see.”

Some of the projects will involve re-launching the Gravesham Youth Council and developing a number of multi user game areas.

This will involve upgrading several outdoor playground areas and recreational grounds in Gravesend.

The new areas will offer a range of sport facilities free of charge, including football pitches and tennis courts.

Kieron Butler, a student at Northfleet Technology College in Colyer Road said: “I think it’s a great idea, we definitely need more entertainment in the town for young people.”

The 15-year-old used to be a member of the youth council before it disbanded two years ago.

He said: “If they re-launch it then I would definitely be interested in joining again.”

Bianca Reynolds a project worker for VSU Youth in Action, a youth group in Gravesend said: “I think the game areas are a brilliant idea, I will definitely be using them with the groups that I volunteer with.”

Gravesham Council will be the first borough council in Kent to appoint a cabinet post for youth.

Cllr Hryniewicz will be officially appointed to her new post on March 8 when renovation work will begin on the new game areas.