THE voting age should be reduced from 18 to 16, a poll of young people in Wiltshire has revealed.

In the mobile phone texting debate organised by Wiltshire County Council, 56 per cent of the young people from secondary schools who took part felt they should be able to take part in elections at an earlier age.

Young people were also asked what they thought the main issues in Wiltshire were. They expressed concern about the levels of violent crime and growth of what they called yob culture. They wanted to see more public transport and leisure facilities. Another major issue was bullying in schools.

The poll was held as part of a number of events organised by the county council to mark Local Democracy Week.

The county council youth development service is working with young people in Wiltshire to give them a stronger voice through a number of initiatives.

A new youth magazine - called db8 debate - hit Wiltshire streets in October and will be published every term. It was written and produced by young people and supported by the county council. The next issue will contain details of the issues raised.

The free magazine is available from schools and youth centres across the county. In the first issue young writers tackled issues such as bullying and eating disorders, and looked at topics such as unusual cafes and kiteboarding.

County youth democracy workers are also working with young people to develop the Wiltshire Assembly of Youth (WAY) and to find local representatives for the UK Youth Parliament.

An election for WAY and the UK Youth Parliament will be held in the second week of February.