BRIDGEND TOWN COUNCIL
CYNGOR TREF PEN-Y-BONT AR OGWR
Town Clerk / / Clerc y Dref
NIGEL KINSEY
Assistant Town Clerk
LEANNE EDWARDS / NIGEL KINSEY
CynorthwywriGlerc y Dref
LEANNE EDWARDS
Tel: (01656 815757) / Ffon: (01656 815757)
Email: / E-bost:
COUNCIL OFFICES / SWYDDFEYDD CYNGOR
CARNEGIE HOUSE / TY CARNEGIE
WYNDHAM STREET / STRYD WYNDHAM
BRIDGEND / PEN-Y-BONT AR OGWR
CF31 1EF / CF31 1EF

CO-OPTION OF TWO YOUTH MEMBERS ONTO BRIDGEND TOWN COUNCIL

Bridgend Town Council has determined to co-opt two Youth Members onto the Town Council; the two positions are non -voting.

The co-opted Youth Members will be drawn from those young people, over 16, who live within the three Town Wards of Morfa, Oldcastle and Newcastle (see map of ward boundaries).

The co-option will run until the end of this academic year (July 2016).

Background Information

Bridgend Town Councilis an elected body of 19 councillors of all political persuasions who meet monthly on the third Monday at 7pm to discuss matters primarily of local Bridgend Town importance – but sometimes can include discussions on issues which are at regional or national importance.

Once elected – usually every 4-5 years, the Council has traditionally tried to leave “political” views to one side and act collectively in the interests of the residents of the Bridgend Town area.

Naturally, based in a commercial area, - we take a view on all matters that affect our Town Centre where we welcome many visitors and shoppers from near and far; - but equally take an interest in residential areas, local schools and community organisations that have an impact and a contribution to local community life.

Our meetings are open to the public and press who are entitled to record and report on anything that may be said in debate .

Council is headed by an annually elected Mayor from the members; and various committees make up the full total of the business of the Council – all of whom report monthly or periodically to the full Council so that all members are aware of decisions taken or projects suggested as part of Council life.

Contd. Over

Council tries to reflect all the local views of the residents as they see them, but it may well be that due to the ages and experience of members, the ideas and views of younger people are sometimes overlooked or not always considered in determinations.

As a Council we simply need to hear the views of the younger generation - hence our invitation to young people who are not currently entitled to a vote at elections to express their points of view.

This experience on offer will hope to show the difference between full County Borough Council – namely BCBC based in Bridgend – and Town and Community Councils that have a much more local basis and can sometimes deal with issues that crop up and be more speedily resolved for the benefit of local residents.

We hope this brief outline of the situation will help you decide the way forward, but our Town Clerk, Nigel Kinsey ,would be delighted to speak with you on any matter before you might decide to consider applying.

We feel that this is a great opportunity for those young people interested in local politics and issues and will give a first- hand insight into how local councils operate.

How to Apply

If you would like to become a co-opted Youth Member of Bridgend Town Council, please send a letter expressing your interest, outlining your background and why you are interested in becoming a Youth Member of the Town Council.

Applications to be sent to the Town Clerk, at the above address, or by e-mail to

The successful applicants will be notified of the Town Council’s decision following the receipt and consideration by Members of all applications.

N. Kinsey

Town Clerk