Five of Merton’s Young Advisors gave a presentation on their views on the relationship between anti-social behaviour and betting shops at the Houses of Parliament last week.

The presentation was heard by special guest, Clive Efford MP, Shadow Minister for Sport and they were later joined by Karen Buck, MP for Westminster North.

Key points of the presentation included locally researched data around the perception of anti-social behaviour and the relationship with betting shops, recommendations to tackle anti-social behaviour in the town centre and supporting street drinkers with positive interventions.

The Young Advisors plan to meet with Merton Police Borough Commander, Detective Chief Supt Darren Williams, betting shop union representatives and local retailers to discuss further their proposals as well as apply for funding from Alcohol Concern to support their proposals.

Following their talk, the young people were given a tour of the Houses of Parliament by Siobhain McDonagh, MP for Mitcham and Morden and also witnessed a debate in the House of Lords from the public gallery.

Cabinet member for children’s services, Councillor Maxi Martin said: “It’s great that our young people are getting involved with issues important to their local community and developing their public speaking skills as well as getting an insight into politics.”