Young people have been having their say on the future of Swindon.

Youngsters from across the town met at the Link Centre Youth Unit yesterday to discuss their hopes for the future and to suggest facilities they would like to see in their respective communities.

This was the first of what will become six-monthly meetings between children and Swindon borough councillors.

Following a play presentation last year, where councillors were shown a video produced by children which focused on their desire for better facilities, councillors decided it was important to hold sessions with the under-14s to hear their views on life in Swindon.

This first session allowed councillors to meet young people and hear first hand what they had to say.

Eleven-year-old Nichola Farrow said she and her friends would like much better facilities for disabled people in Swindon, and carers on hand to meet their needs.

While Nichola and her friends were representing the Eldene area, another group of youngsters expressed their desire for better facilities in Penhill.

Fifteen year-old Warren Wilson said existing parks were simply not good enough.

"I hope this meeting will make a difference because up to now we have just been fobbed off," he said.

Matthew Law, 12, said: "We want to see a complex where lots of different activities happen."

The same Penhill group said a skatepark and a basketball area would also be welcomed.

Coun Barrie Thompson (Lab, Parks) lead member for equalities and partnerships, said: "These young people all have wish lists. We recognise there has been a lack of investment in facilities over the years. We have to hear what is being said and then look and see what can be done."

Martin Hawes, community education west area manager for the council, said: "Children are learning about their rights as citizens."